Meghan Markle's father wants some attention, or at least an acknowledgement, from the Royal Family ... and he's not going to shut up until he gets it.
Thomas Markle tells TMZ ... he's unfazed by news his Duchess daughter and Prince Harry are reportedly frustrated about his recent paid interview with The Sun, because he just wants to be involved in their lives.
He says, "I was silent for a full year and the press beat me up every day saying I was a hermit hiding in Mexico, so I gave my story. Apparently that interview put the Royal Family in their silence mode ... so, I gave another interview to break the silence. All they have to do is speak to me.”
Thomas believes the silent treatment from the Palace is silly, wishful thinking on their part that he'll just go away. He insists that's not happening -- and he just wants to be in contact with Meghan.
Still, he's staying a little optimistic ... "Tomorrow is my birthday, 74 years old, and I’m enjoying the fact that I can make the entire Royal Family not speak and maybe I can get a laugh out of the Duchess."