Harry also joked about US President Donald Trump’s immigration force ICE and the England World Cup draw

PRINCE Harry cracked a Downton Abbey joke in a secret speech in LA but did not mention his father-in-law’s health battle.

He said he was often asked if the Royal Family has similarities with the hit period telly programme, and quipped one is full of drama — and the other is a TV show.

Prince Harry cracked a Downton Abbey joke in a secret speech in LACredit: AFP or licensors

But the Duke made no mention of his father-in-law Thomas Markle’s health battleCredit: James Breeden – The Sun

Meghan has reportedly contacted her dad after he was taken to hospitalCredit: Getty
The Duke of Sussex was a surprise guest speaker at the British American Business Council’s Christmas lunch on Friday.

He also joked about US President Donald Trump’s immigration force ICE and the England World Cup draw at the private event in Santa Monica.

Harry’s appearance came as it was revealed his wife Meghan has “reached out” to her dad Thomas Markle, who is currently in intensive care in the Philippines after an operation to amputate his leg.

The 81-year-old was taken to hospital on Tuesday when he became unwell at his home in the city of Cebu.

Surgeons removed his left leg below the knee the next day and he is now awaiting surgery to remove a blood clot.

The Duchess of Sussex’s spokesman said: “I can confirm she has reached out to her father.” How she contacted him is unclear.

Thomas last night told the Mail on Sunday from his hospital bed he does not “want to die estranged” from Meghan. He said he has not heard from her “but would love to speak to her”.

Thomas added: “Of course I want to speak to her but I am not sure if these are the right circumstances.

“I’ve always said I am open to reconciling with my daughter. I have never stopped loving her.

“I don’t want to die estranged from Meghan.

“I want to meet my grandkids. It might be nice to meet her husband too.”

He is expected to be moved to a regular ward as early as tomorrow. It is believed Meghan, 44, has tried to contact Thomas in the past, but she has not seen her dad since before she married Prince Harry, 41, in 2018.

Thomas had two heart attacks days before the wedding and had a stroke in 2022, which Samantha, 61, believes contributed to his current critical health condition.

But on Friday, Harry failed to mention the news of his father-in-law.

Instead, he made jokes about his family when referencing one of the event’s honorees, Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes.

Thomas Markle is currently in intensive care in the Philippines after an operation to amputate his legCredit: 60 minutes Australia
He said: “People sometimes ask if growing up with the Royal Family was a bit like Julian’s Downton Abbey . . . yeah.

“But only one of those worlds is filled with drama, intrigue, elaborate dinners, marriages to Americans and the other is a TV show.”

Harry added: “The World Cup is coming to the United States.

“And both England and Scotland have qualified! It’s a Christmas miracle. Our British Consul General is Scottish, as you know.

“He’s understandably thrilled — and I’m reliably informed promises to be proudly wearing a kilt for the entirety of the competition.

“I was 14 years old the last time Scotland qualified. So this is a moment to savour as well as to reflect on the kilts I was forced to wear as a child.

“Meanwhile, Northern Ireland and Wales can still qualify, which means we might just have all four home nations turning up.

“Wouldn’t that be something for the great American brewers of Budweiser, Coors and Samuel Adams to celebrate.

“The British are coming and they’re thirsty. Back in the UK we’ve recently found out that pubs might stay open until 1am.

“What could possibly go wrong?”

Prince Harry and Meghan at a baseball game in OctoberCredit: Getty