Meghan Markle's half-sister Samantha claims she's not supported family since getting engaged

Interest in Meghan's relatives has increased since she accepted Harry's proposal but Samantha claims there has been no contact from the 36-year-old American actress or from Buckingham Palace offering any help or advice to the family, including for their father Thomas Markle who will walk his daughter down the aisle at the weekend.

Specifically asked whether Meghan has offered any support to the family, she said: "No and I know that she's been overwhelmed, so you know, we don't really understand and I guess because we don't understand, it shouldn't be held against her. I think clearly there's a lot of room for open communication."

In an interview with UK TV show 'Loose Women', which aired on Monday (14.05.18), Samantha also revealed that her and Meghan's dad Thomas had struggled to deal with the sudden scrutiny into his life.

Speaking about her father, she said: "Let me clarify, he's 73, which makes him a bit more fragile. He's a quiet man. I feel he's been unfairly preyed on. He's really been admirable about laying low and not speaking out, with all due respect."

Samantha - who lives in Florida - admits she never expected to get an invite to the royal wedding as she was omitted from the guest list for Meghan's first marriage to Trevor Engelson, which took place in Jamaica.

Although she won't be at the ceremony rubbing shoulders with Harry's grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, his dad Prince Charles or brother Prince William, Samantha will be watching on TV like the rest of the world.

She said: "I have to say, I'm not taking it personally. It's not just me. None of the family have received invites. Although we don't understand we can only wish them well. I'm not taking it personally, nor am I holding it against her."

"Also for some of us the travel is not very easy. I am in a wheelchair. I had to evaluate even if I had been invited, it would have been a bit difficult. But for everyone else in the family, I can only think that schedules might have been in the way. Nonetheless we wish her well, it is what it is."

When asked if she'll be watching on television, she added: "Of course."