Sad news for Meghan Markle as her 'proud' uncle Michael dies aged 81

Meghan Markle has reportedly lost her uncle Michael Markle, who is believed to have died aged 81. 

• It's been reported that Meghan Markle's uncle Michael has passed away following a battle with Parkinson's disease. 
• While it's thought Michael never had the chance to meet his niece's husband, Prince Harry, he was believed to have been "proud" of Meghan. 
• This royal news comes after Princess Diana's statue was finally unveiled at Kensington Palace. 

The Duchess of Sussex's uncle Michael, who was known as Mike, is understood to have been fighting Parkinson's for many years and had suffered a number of falls due to the condition, which impacts the body's nerve cells.

While Meghan has not publicly commented on the family loss, it's been claimed that Mike was proud of Meghan's TV career after she found fame in Suits, as well as her achievements as a member of the royal family. 

Mike is thought to have not been invited to Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding at St George's Chapel near Windsor Castle back in 2018, however it's been claimed he was saddened by Meghan's rift with her father, Thomas Markle. 

An insider is said to have told The Sun of Michaels pride for Meghan, despite being unhappy about her and Thomas' falling out.  

The source reportedly said, "Mike was a lovely, gentle, softly spoken old man. He was always happy to be asked about Meghan, but whenever he spoke to anyone he mainly wanted to talk about his late wife - he loved her so much. 

"He was quite well known in his community for being Meghan’s uncle, and he would always stop for a chat to say how proud he was of her even though he didn’t often agree with how she went about things."

Last year, Michael spoke out about his hopes to see Meghan and her dad put their conflict behind them, saying that he feels the pair should make up "before it's too late". 

Meghan and Thomas are thought to have had no relationship since her wedding day, despite once being close.

 Meghan recently told Oprah about feeling "betrayed" after her father denied speaking to the tabloids about her.

Meghan explained, "I genuinely can’t imagine doing anything to intentionally cause pain to my child. I can’t imagine it. 

"So it’s hard for me to reconcile that."