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Why has Thomas Markle NEVER met Prince Harry? There can only be 3 reasons and the third is bad news for Meghan, says pro
Why has Thomas Markle NEVER met Prince Harry? There can only be 3 reasons and the third is bad news for Meghan, says pro

Scottish Sun

time21-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Scottish Sun

Why has Thomas Markle NEVER met Prince Harry? There can only be 3 reasons and the third is bad news for Meghan, says pro

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FATHER'S Day has just been and gone, but one dad who was not given a royal shout out was Thomas Markle. The former lighting director, 80, is estranged from Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, 43, and hasn't even met her husband Prince Harry or his grandkids, Archie and Lilibet. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Meghan Markle's dad Thomas Markle has not seen his daughter for years Credit: Phil Penman - The Sun 9 Royal experts have said there may be three reasons why Meghan has never introduced Prince Harry to Thomas Credit: Getty 9 Thomas pictured with Meghan growing up Credit: Thomas Marlke 9 Thomas was not able to walk Meghan down the aisle at her wedding - and King Charles did it instead Credit: Getty Royal experts have queried why an introduction has never been made, and royal author and broadcaster Hugo Vickers claimed there could be three key reasons. Speaking on The Sun's Royal Exclusive show, he said: 'Why did Mr Markle never meet Prince Harry? 'There can only be three reasons for that. 'One that she was ashamed of him, which I think is a bit unattractive. 'Two, possibly that she thought he'd done something, but when Prince Harry rang Mr Markle up and asked if he could marry his daughter, he said 'you can marry her as long as you never raise your hand against her'. 'Of course we don't talk like that, so maybe he lives in a world where people have done that sort of thing. 'I dispute that as well. I don't think that's the case. 'The third reason is that I think she was worried that he might actually have warned Prince Harry - this is not what you're getting, this girl.' Thomas famously didn't attend his daughter's globally-televised royal wedding to Prince Harry in 2018 due to suffering two heart attacks - although her mum Doria Ragland did. He watched the wedding of Meghan and Harry from a £23-a-night Airbnb in the country. Meghan shares videos of Archie and Lilibet to wish Harry a Happy Father's Day After the pensioner - who divorced Doria in 1987 - was unable to walk his daughter down the aisle, they've not been in contact since. Hugo continued: 'Mr Markle should have been at the wedding and they should have flown him over and stuck him in a health farm in the Shetlands or somewhere. 'Prince Harry should have gone up to see him and if he couldn't have walked the aisle he should have been sitting there, because, as you rightly say, he did a lot for that girl and she even admitted it in the early days before she distanced herself from him.' Due to their estrangement, Thomas previously confessed he has resigned himself to the fact he will most likely never meet Archie, six, or Lilibet, four. 9 The Sun's royal editor Matt Wilkinson talking to Hugo Vickers and Samara Gill on our royal exclusive show Credit: The Sun 9 Thomas has not yet met his grandkids, Lilibet and Archie Credit: Instagram 9 Meghan's mum Doria has met the royal family and is active in her grandkids' lives Credit: PA This is despite him living just 250 miles away from Meghan for years, in a home filled with pictures and accolades of his daughter - who he affectionately dubs "Megsy". Now Thomas has left his California home after 10 years and has relocated to South East Asia to spend his time with "kinder people". The Duchess' estranged father also admitted that while he doesn't like some of Meghan's behaviour, his "door is always open". MARKLE FEUD 9 Meghan reportedly has not spoken to Thomas in years Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 9 Thomas has done numerous TV interviews about their relationship Credit: ITV Turmoil between the pair erupted after Thomas posed for paparazzi pictures ahead of Harry and Meghan tying the knot. However, Meghan has previously shared the hurt and "betrayal she felt" by her father. She opened up about her relationship with her estranged dad and said she was left feeling crushed when he lied to her about not talking to the media. In her sensational interview with Oprah in 2021, Meghan said: "I'm trying to decide if I'm comfortable even talking about that. 'It was... if we were going to use the word betrayal.' Meghan Markle on how dad Thomas Markle 'betrayed' her IN her candid interview with Oprah, the Duchess of Sussex opened up about her relationship with her dad and said she was left feeling crushed when he lied to her before the wedding. Meghan said she tried to 'protect' her parents from the 'media frenzy' sparked due to an 'obsession about anything in my world'. It was the first time Meghan has publicly discussed her dad, who she has not spoken to since before her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018. Thomas, an ex-Hollywood lighting director, has spoken about her daughter's relationship publicly and described their decision to walk away from the royals as embarrassing. Their relationship soured in the run-up to their 2018 Windsor Castle wedding, when he admitted agreeing to stage pictures of himself. Meghan was asked if it felt like a 'betrayal' when she found out her dad was working with the Press, and replied: 'I'm trying to decide if I'm comfortable even talking about that. 'It was… if we were going to use the word betrayal.' Meghan added: 'Because when I asked him, when we were told by the comms team, this is a story that was going to be coming out, which, by the way, the tabloids had apparently known for a month or so and decided to hold until the Sunday before our wedding because they wanted to create drama, which is also a really key point in all this. 'We called my dad and I asked him and he said, no, absolutely not." Oprah then said: 'He said no, absolutely not. He hadn't been talking to them. So he basically lied to you.' The full transcript of the interview can be read here. MEGHAN'S FATHER'S DAY SNUB This follows Meghan sharing a rare video showing Archie and Lilibet to wish Harry a Happy Father's day. The heartwarming footage was posted on Instagram with Jason Mraz's hit 'Have It All' playing in the background. "The best," she captioned her post. "Happy Father's Day to our favorite guy." The compilation showed photos and videos of Harry laughing, dancing and spending quality time with his children through the years. While Thomas - and also King Charles - was omitted from the post, Meghan did post a tribute to Doria on Mother's Day. The Duchess has been more open with posting her children this year, amid her new business ventures, including her As Ever brand and her Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan.

Why has Thomas Markle NEVER met Prince Harry? There can only be 3 reasons and the third is bad news for Meghan, says pro
Why has Thomas Markle NEVER met Prince Harry? There can only be 3 reasons and the third is bad news for Meghan, says pro

The Irish Sun

time21-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The Irish Sun

Why has Thomas Markle NEVER met Prince Harry? There can only be 3 reasons and the third is bad news for Meghan, says pro

FATHER'S Day has just been and gone, but one dad who was not given a royal shout out was Thomas Markle. The Sussex , 43, and hasn't even met her husband Prince Harry or his grandkids, Archie and Lilibet. 9 Meghan Markle's dad Thomas Markle has not seen his daughter for years Credit: Phil Penman - The Sun 9 Royal experts have said there may be three reasons why Meghan has never introduced Prince Harry to Thomas Credit: Getty 9 Thomas pictured with Meghan growing up Credit: Thomas Marlke 9 Thomas was not able to walk Meghan down the aisle at her wedding - and King Charles did it instead Credit: Getty Royal experts have queried why an introduction has never been made, and royal author and broadcaster Hugo Vickers claimed there could be three key reasons. Speaking on The Sun's Royal Exclusive show, he said: 'Why did Mr Markle never meet Prince Harry? 'There can only be three reasons for that. 'One that she was ashamed of him, which I think is a bit unattractive. More on Meghan Markle 'Two, possibly that she thought he'd done something, but when Prince Harry rang Mr Markle up and asked if he could marry his daughter, he said 'you can marry her as long as you never raise your hand against her'. 'Of course we don't talk like that, so maybe he lives in a world where people have done that sort of thing. 'I dispute that as well. I don't think that's the case. 'The third reason is that I think she was worried that he might actually have warned Prince Harry - this is not what you're getting, this girl.' Most read in Royals Thomas famously didn't attend his daughter's globally-televised royal wedding to Prince Harry in 2018 due to suffering two heart attacks - although her mum He Meghan shares videos of Archie and Lilibet to wish Harry a Happy Father's Day After the pensioner - who divorced Doria in 1987 - was unable to walk his daughter down the aisle, they've not been in contact since. Hugo continued: 'Mr Markle should have been at the wedding and they should have flown him over and stuck him in a health farm in the Shetlands or somewhere. 'Prince Harry should have gone up to see him and if he couldn't have walked the aisle he should have been sitting there, because, as you rightly say, he did a lot for that girl and she even admitted it in the early days before she distanced herself from him.' Due to their estrangement, Thomas previously confessed he has resigned himself to the fact he will most likely never meet 9 The Sun's royal editor Matt Wilkinson talking to Hugo Vickers and Samara Gill on our royal exclusive show Credit: The Sun 9 Thomas has not yet met his grandkids, Lilibet and Archie Credit: Instagram 9 Meghan's mum Doria has met the royal family and is active in her grandkids' lives Credit: PA This is despite him living just 250 miles away from Meghan for years, in a home filled with pictures and accolades of his daughter - who he affectionately dubs "Megsy". Now Thomas has The Duchess' estranged father also admitted that while he doesn't like some of Meghan's behaviour, his "door is always open". MARKLE FEUD 9 Meghan reportedly has not spoken to Thomas in years Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 9 Thomas has done numerous TV interviews about their relationship Credit: ITV Turmoil between the pair erupted after Thomas However, Meghan has previously shared the hurt and "betrayal she felt" by her father. She opened up about her In her sensational interview with Oprah in 2021, Meghan said: "I'm trying to decide if I'm comfortable even talking about that. 'It was... if we were going to use the word betrayal.' Meghan Markle on how dad Thomas Markle 'betrayed' her IN her candid interview with Oprah, the Duchess of Sussex opened up about her relationship with her dad and said she was left feeling crushed when he lied to her before the wedding. Meghan said she tried to 'protect' her parents from the 'media frenzy' sparked due to an 'obsession about anything in my world'. It was the first time Meghan has publicly discussed her dad, who she has not spoken to since before her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018. Thomas, an ex-Hollywood lighting director, has spoken about her daughter's relationship publicly and described their decision to walk away from the royals as embarrassing. Their relationship soured in the run-up to their 2018 Windsor Castle wedding, when he admitted agreeing to stage pictures of himself. Meghan was asked if it felt like a 'betrayal' when she found out her dad was working with the Press, and replied: 'I'm trying to decide if I'm comfortable even talking about that. 'It was… if we were going to use the word betrayal.' Meghan added: 'Because when I asked him, when we were told by the comms team, this is a story that was going to be coming out, which, by the way, the tabloids had apparently known for a month or so and decided to hold until the Sunday before our wedding because they wanted to create drama, which is also a really key point in all this. 'We called my dad and I asked him and he said, no, absolutely not." Oprah then said: 'He said no, absolutely not. He hadn't been talking to them. So he basically lied to you.' The MEGHAN'S FATHER'S DAY SNUB This follows Meghan sharing a The heartwarming footage was posted on Instagram with Jason Mraz's hit 'Have It All' playing in the background. "The best," she captioned her post. "Happy Father's Day to our favorite guy." The compilation showed photos and videos of Harry laughing, dancing and spending quality time with his children through the years. While Thomas - and also King Charles - was omitted from the post, Meghan did post a tribute to Doria on Mother's Day. The Duchess has been more open with posting business ventures, including her Netflix cooking show, Meghan Markle's ventures after stepping down as a working royal THE Duchess of Sussex has kept busy since stepping down as a senior working royal in 2020 and relocating to California. Here are some of her business ventures... Archewell Foundation – A nonprofit supporting charitable initiatives. Netflix Deal – Producing content like Harry & Meghan and With Love, Meghan . Archetypes Podcast – Former Spotify show on female stereotypes. Clevr Blends – Investment in a women-owned wellness latte brand. Cesta Collective – Minority stake in a handbag brand supporting Rwandan artisans. As Ever – Previously known as American Riviera Orchard lifestyle brand selling jam. ShopMy Page – Online store featuring her curated fashion and beauty items. New Podcast – Confessions of a Female Founder focusing on entrepreneurship.

The 9 life-saving questions to ask your partner, dad or brother NOW – without being accused of nagging
The 9 life-saving questions to ask your partner, dad or brother NOW – without being accused of nagging

Scottish Sun

time14-06-2025

  • Health
  • Scottish Sun

The 9 life-saving questions to ask your partner, dad or brother NOW – without being accused of nagging

Read on for tips for navigating a defensive partner MAN ALIVE The 9 life-saving questions to ask your partner, dad or brother NOW – without being accused of nagging Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FATHER'S Day is all about appreciating the men in our lives, whether they're husbands, dads or grandads. And the best present you can give them? 4 We have nine life-saving questions to ask the man in your life To talk about their health. Men are notorious for avoiding the GP – almost half feel under pressure to 'tough it out' when it comes to health worries, and one in three feel that speaking about their health issues threatens to make them look weak, according to the Office for National Statistics' Health Insight Survey of 1,000 men. But women can help nudge them. 'We get a lot of men saying they're coming in because their partner's told them to,' says Dr Rachel Ward, GP at Woodlands Medical Centre in Didcot. So, this Father's Day, take our quiz with your loved one to help turn their health around. 1. Are you exercising? Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health – physically and mentally. 'People underestimate how much healthier you feel,' says Dr Ward. It can also improve sleep, eating habits and your sex life. WHAT NEXT? The NHS says you should do 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of vigorous, exercise a week. How women can give their man a health MOT Don't know where to start? 'A half-hour afternoon walk will transform your day,' says Dr Ward, who recommends doing this five times a week. 2. Have you checked your vitals? 'High blood pressure or cholesterol predisposes you to heart attack and stroke, but it is a silent disease – frequently, you won't have symptoms,' says Dr Ward. 'It's important to get blood pressure and cholesterol checked, because they can be doing damage, even though you're oblivious.' 4 It's important to keep your blood pressure in check WHAT NEXT? 'Pharmacists offer free blood pressure tests, and from age 40, you can have the NHS Health Check, which checks blood pressure and cholesterol, and for diabetes,' says Dr Ward 3. Have you had any ongoing pain? We all have a little pain here and there. 'If you had knee pain and you were older with some arthritis, it's less concerning,' says Dr Ward. 'But chronic pain is not good and affects mobility and mood. "You shouldn't just soldier on. Certain pains could relate to an underlying cancer.' For example, abdominal pain could be caused by pancreatic or bowel cancer. WHAT NEXT? If you have a new pain that's not going away, get it checked out by a GP. 4. Have you thought about stopping smoking? Newsflash – smoking is really bad for you. 'It's a huge risk factor for multiple cancers, but also heart disease and stroke,' says Dr Ward. It is bad for every organ system and it can kill you.' 4 Smoking is a huge risk factor for multiple cancers, but also heart disease and stroke WHAT NEXT? 'It's a really difficult thing to give up,' Dr Ward says. 'But you've got a much higher chance of being successful if you get help.' Local free NHS stop-smoking services are a great starting point. 5. Who do you talk to when you're overwhelmed? 'Men, especially older generations, are still not great at admitting to themselves when they're feeling overwhelmed,' says Dr Ward. 'Men are less likely to talk about it with mates than women are.' But it's vital that they do get talking – 75% of those who die by suicide in the UK are male.* WHAT NEXT? 'Thinking: 'Who is a person I can trust?' is a healthy conversation to have, even if you are feeling well,' says Dr Ward. Visit which runs free mental health sessions, and Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123. 6. Have you weighed yourself recently? Obesity is a key driver of diabetes and heart disease, according to the World Health Organisation. 'But people don't realise how much of a predisposing factor it is for cancer,' says Dr Ward. 'It has a massive impact on every aspect of health.' WHAT NEXT? Suggest the whole family look at creating healthier habits, such as daily walks or preparing meals together from scratch. GPs may be able to refer you to free NHS weight services. 7. Do you pee easily? While getting up in the night to wee, hesitancy, reduced flow and dribbling are associated with ageing, Dr Ward warns: 'They can also be symptoms of prostate cancer,' which is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Other symptoms are feeling like the bladder has not fully emptied and blood in urine or semen. However, many men do not have symptoms, especially in the early stages of disease, so it is vital to be aware of the risk, which increases with age. 'If you have a family history and if you are black, you have increased risk,' says Dr Ward. Thankfully, caught early, the disease is manageable. WHAT NEXT? 'New or worsening symptoms should be a trigger to speak to your GP and get your prostate checked,' says Dr Ward, who adds that men should not feel embarrassed. 'Urinary and bowel symptoms are bread and butter for us.' Use the risk checker at Prostatecancer or talk to your GP. 8. How are things in the bedroom? Admittedly, this is probably one to ask your partner, rather than your dad! But sexual dysfunction is not something to be brushed off. 4 Sexual dysfunction can be a sign of prostate cancer, diabetes, or mental health problems 'It can be a sign of prostate cancer, diabetes, mental health problems and relationship issues,' says Dr Ward. It can also warn of heart health issues. WHAT NEXT? Men should always speak to their GP about erectile dysfunction. It can be caused by other medications, so a GP can consider alternatives, while Viagra is available over the counter in pharmacies. 9. How much are you drinking? There are huge health repercussions from excess drinking, says Dr Ward. 'It increases the risk of cancer, liver disease, cognitive impairment, mood and more.' The NHS-recommended limit is up to 14 units spread over one week, the equivalent of around six pints of average-strength beer. WHAT NEXT? If you are worried about a loved one's drinking, start with a chat about it. Avoid judgement and instead express concern, care and support. Encourage them to use resources such as the DrinkControl: Alcohol Tracker app, Alcohol Change UK, or to see their GP. Don't be a nag (but do get results) Sex therapist and head of clinical practice at Relate, Ammanda Major, shares her tips for navigating a defensive partner. Skip the guilt trip. 'Try speaking from a caring position instead,' says Ammanda. 'Avoid negative statements like: 'You never go to the doctor.'' Instead, invite conversation with caring language. 'Say: 'I really love you and I feel a bit concerned. "I wondered whether it'd be an idea to see the doctor. What do you think?' "Don't blame, and be curious about the responses.' Find a quiet moment to address the issue. 'Don't bring it up mid-row,' says Ammanda. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.

The 9 life-saving questions to ask your partner, dad or brother NOW – without being accused of nagging
The 9 life-saving questions to ask your partner, dad or brother NOW – without being accused of nagging

The Irish Sun

time14-06-2025

  • Health
  • The Irish Sun

The 9 life-saving questions to ask your partner, dad or brother NOW – without being accused of nagging

FATHER'S Day is all about appreciating the men in our lives, whether they're husbands, dads or grandads. And the best present you can give them? Advertisement 4 We have nine life-saving questions to ask the man in your life To talk about their health. Men are notorious for avoiding the GP – almost half feel under pressure to 'tough it out' when it comes to health worries, and one in three feel that speaking about their health issues threatens to make them look weak, according to the Office for National Statistics' Health Insight Survey of 1,000 men. But women can help nudge them. 'We get a lot of men saying they're coming in because their partner's told them to,' says Dr Rachel Ward, GP at Woodlands Medical Centre in Didcot. Advertisement READ MORE HEALTH NEWS So, this Father's Day, take our quiz with your loved one to help turn their health around. 1. Are you exercising? Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health – physically and mentally. 'People underestimate how much healthier you feel,' says Dr Ward. It can also improve sleep, eating habits and your sex life. Advertisement Most read in Men's Health Exclusive WHAT NEXT? The NHS says you should do 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of vigorous, exercise a week. How women can give their man a health MOT Don't know where to start? 'A 2. Have you checked your vitals? ' Advertisement 'It's important to get blood pressure and 4 It's important to keep your blood pressure in check WHAT NEXT? 'Pharmacists offer free blood pressure tests, and from age 40, you can have the NHS Health Check, which checks blood pressure and cholesterol, and for diabetes,' says Dr Ward 3. Have you had any ongoing pain? We all have a little pain here and there. Advertisement 'If you had knee pain and you were older with some 'But chronic pain is not good and affects mobility and mood. "You shouldn't just soldier on. Certain pains could relate to an underlying cancer.' For example, abdominal pain could be caused by pancreatic or bowel cancer. Advertisement WHAT NEXT? If you have a new pain that's not going away, get it checked out by a GP. 4. Have you thought about stopping smoking? Newsflash – smoking is really bad for you. 'It's a huge risk factor for multiple cancers, but also heart disease and stroke,' says Dr Ward. It is bad for every organ system and it can kill you.' 4 Smoking is a huge risk factor for multiple cancers, but also heart disease and stroke Advertisement WHAT NEXT? 'It's a really difficult thing to give up,' Dr Ward says. 'But you've got a much higher chance of being successful if you get help.' Local free NHS stop-smoking services are a great starting point. 5. Who do you talk to when you're overwhelmed? 'Men, especially older generations, are still not great at admitting to themselves when they're feeling overwhelmed,' says Dr Ward. Advertisement 'Men are less likely to talk about it with mates than women are.' But it's vital that they do get talking – 75% of those who die by suicide in the UK are male.* WHAT NEXT? 'Thinking: 'Who is a person I can trust?' is a healthy conversation to have, even if you are feeling well,' says Dr Ward. Visit which runs free mental health sessions, and Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123. Advertisement 6. Have you weighed yourself recently? Obesity is a key driver of diabetes and heart disease, according to the World Health Organisation. 'But people don't realise how much of a predisposing factor it is for cancer,' says Dr Ward. 'It has a massive impact on every aspect of health.' WHAT NEXT? Suggest the whole family look at creating healthier habits, such as daily walks or preparing meals together from scratch. Advertisement GPs may be able to refer you to free NHS weight services. 7. Do you pee easily? While Other symptoms are feeling like the bladder has not fully emptied and blood in urine or semen. However, many men do not have symptoms, especially in the early stages of disease, so it is vital to be aware of the risk, which increases with age. Advertisement 'If you have a family history and if you are black, you have increased risk,' says Dr Ward. Thankfully, caught early, the disease is manageable. WHAT NEXT? 'New or worsening symptoms should be a trigger to speak to your GP and get your prostate checked,' says Dr Ward, who adds that men should not feel embarrassed. 'Urinary and bowel symptoms are bread and butter for us.' Advertisement Use the risk checker at Prostatecancer or talk to your GP. 8. How are things in the bedroom? Admittedly, this is probably one to ask your partner, rather than your dad! But sexual dysfunction is not something to be brushed off. 4 Sexual dysfunction can be a sign of prostate cancer, diabetes, or mental health problems Advertisement 'It can be a sign of prostate cancer, diabetes, mental health problems and relationship issues,' says Dr Ward. It can also warn of heart health issues. WHAT NEXT? Men should always speak to their GP about erectile dysfunction. It can be caused by other medications, so a GP can consider alternatives, while Advertisement 9. How much are you drinking? There are huge health repercussions from excess drinking, says Dr Ward. 'It increases the risk of cancer, liver disease, cognitive impairment, mood and more.' The WHAT NEXT? If you are worried about a loved one's drinking, start with a chat about it. Advertisement Avoid judgement and instead express concern, care and support. Encourage them to use resources such as the DrinkControl: Alcohol Tracker app, Alcohol Change UK, or to see their GP. Don't be a nag (but do get results) Sex therapist and head of clinical practice at Relate, Ammanda Major, shares her tips for navigating a defensive partner. Skip the guilt trip. 'Try speaking from a caring position instead,' says Ammanda. Advertisement 'Avoid negative statements like: 'You never go to the doctor.'' Instead, invite conversation with caring language. 'Say: 'I really love you and I feel a bit concerned. "I wondered whether it'd be an idea to see the doctor. What do you think?' "Don't blame, and be curious about the responses.' Advertisement Find a quiet moment to address the issue. 'Don't bring it up mid-row,' says Ammanda. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.

Parenting is a work in progress, it cannot be taught
Parenting is a work in progress, it cannot be taught

The Sun

time14-06-2025

  • General
  • The Sun

Parenting is a work in progress, it cannot be taught

FATHER'S Day often invites us to reflect on the men who shaped us. As a 46-year-old researcher, a professional in the world of science and academia, my life has been a tapestry woven with precision and unpredictability. I come from a large family – 10 siblings, each with our own stories but all sharing the same foundation: a father who is, in many ways, the archetype of the old Malay tradition but carries with him a progressive wisdom. He is a man of few words – his presence steady but understated – a quiet force that anchored our sprawling household. He recently celebrated his 71st birthday earlier this month, a milestone that reminds me of the enduring strength behind his calm demeanour. My father was a mathematics professor. As a child, I often watched him draw what seemed to be random scribbles and doodles. Only later did I learn those were integral notations and mathematical curves. I often wondered how he could do complex mathematics without writing any numbers – just flowing lines and abstract symbols. It was a silent kind of genius, one that did not need loud explanations or grand declarations. Growing up, I looked up to him with a mix of awe and curiosity. He never mapped out my future or laid down plans for success. Instead, he led by example – his actions speaking volumes where words were sparse. I found myself drawn to academia, perhaps subconsciously following in his purposeful path, believing that I could chart my own course with the same steady resolve. Before marriage, I imagined fatherhood would be a matter of careful planning. I envisioned raising children with the same scientific rigour I applied in my research – structured, logical and perhaps even predictable. I thought my children would follow in my path just as I had with my father. But life, as it often does, had other plans. Raising five children – some of them now teenagers – has been less a controlled experiment and more a lesson in adaptability. Each day brings new variables, unexpected results and the humbling realisation that parenting is, above all, a work in progress. My children, each with their own dreams and inclinations, have chosen to pursue the arts rather than the sciences. Their interests diverge from my own and at times I struggle to reconcile my expectations with their aspirations. Yet, in these moments of uncertainty, I find myself returning to my father's example. He never imposed his will on me; he allowed me the freedom to discover my own path. His quiet support and unwavering presence taught me that fatherhood is not about moulding our children in our image but about giving them the space to become who they are meant to be. This Father's Day, I celebrate my father – not for the plans he made but for the plans he allowed me to make for myself. In our Malaysian society, where academic and professional success often define parental pride, his quiet wisdom reminds me that true fatherhood lies not in directing our children towards conventional achievements but in nurturing their individual gifts. As I watch my children pursue the arts, humanities and creative fields in a culture that traditionally prizes the sciences, I am learning that the greatest kejayaan (success) we can offer them is the confidence to define success on their own terms. To all Malaysian fathers learning to celebrate their children's unique journeys, happy Father's Day.

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