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Ocala
Friday, March 29, 2024

Meghan Markle’s half-sister calls Marion County deputies for help with paparazzi

Meghan Markle’s half-sister is so upset about the attention she’s getting from paparazzi before the latest version of the Royal Wedding on Saturday that the Ocala resident called Marion County deputies for help.

Samantha Marie Markle, 53, who also goes by Samantha Grant, called deputies just before 1 p.m. Thursday for assistance at her home at 2481 NE 55th Place. A man at the home with her, Mark Phillips, told deputies that Samantha Markle was being followed because her sister is marrying Prince Harry on Saturday in London, a sheriff’s office report states.

Samantha Grant, left, and Meghan Markle

Phillips, of Sorrento, told deputies that the paparazzi has continuously attempted to interview Samantha Markle and obtain photos of her. The couple also reported that photographers were driving a black 2016 Dodge truck, which they captured on video.

Samantha Markle has claimed she was involved in a previous accident when chased by paparazzi elsewhere in Florida. Law enforcement has not backed up her claim.

Samantha Markle’s home in Ocala.

Phillips told deputies that he confronted several members of the media who were parked in vehicles in front of Markle’s house. But he said to his knowledge, none of the media members had broken any laws.

Deputies advised Markle and Phillips to stay inside the home and avoid contact with the media. They also told Markle to call the sheriff’s office if there were any further issues.

The report also states a special detail was requested so that a deputy could be at the residence quickly if needed. Deputies also had a security check issued for the area.

According to the Daily Mail of London, Samantha Markle wasn’t invited to the wedding on Saturday. Instead, she reportedly is hosting a formal party for friends at her Ocala home. The gossip website TMZ is reporting that Samantha Markle, who reportedly is hiring off-duty police officers as security for her soiree, will wear a “smart dress” and “vintage art deco hat.”

The Daily Mail also quoted Samantha Markle as saying that she still loves her half-sister and it will be “bittersweet” to watch her walk down the aisle Saturday morning.

Samantha Markle and her former actress sister were raised in different households. Their father is Thomas Markle Jr., who won’t be attending the wedding because he’s recuperating from a heart attack. He also was tied to paparazzi recently after admitting that he was paid to pose for staged photographs that were sold to news outlets worldwide.

In the past, Samantha Markle, who reportedly suffers from multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair, has been quoted as saying Meghan is “narcissistic and selfish,” the Daily Mail article says, adding that she believes her half-sister has disowned her because of her disability.