Thomas Markle, father of the Duchess of Sussex, has claimed that the Royal Family are like Scientologists because of their secrecy.

The 74-year-old, who has never met Prince Harry, also said the Royals are "cult-like" and may have secret handshakes.

Mr Markle, who did not attend the wedding of his daughter after the furore caused by staging paparazzi photos, has previously said that during a phone call with Prince Harry, he hung up the phone and told the Duke of Sussex: "Maybe it would be better for you guys if I was dead... then you could pretend to be sad."

Speaking to the Sun, from his home in Rosarito, Mexico, Mr Markle said: “They are either like Scientologists or the Stepford family.

"If they hear anybody say anything they just lock the doors. They need to speak up!

“They are cult-like — like Scientology — because they are secretive.