Meghan Markle's mum Doria secretly visits and comforts daughter after outbursts from her dad

Meghan Markle and Doria Ragland attend UN Women's 20th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference of Women. Photo / Getty Images

Meghan Markle's mother Doria is reported to have made secret visits to the UK to comfort her daughter in the wake of her father's damaging outbursts.

Ms Ragland, who lives in Los Angeles, made the trips after repeated criticism from Thomas Markle that he had been 'cut off' by his daughter.

The Mail on Sunday understands that on one occasion – in July – the social worker stayed with Harry and Meghan at their Oxfordshire cottage, reports Daily Mail.

A source said: "The visit was totally under the radar… Doria supported Meghan throughout a lot of the ordeal with Thomas."

Harry and Meghan have spent much of the summer at their "safe haven" house on the Great Tew Estate.

The 74-year-old father to the Duchess of Sussex sensationally revealed how he had hung up on Prince Harry during a heated call ahead of the couple's wedding on May 19, leading the Duchess to want "time off" from their relationship.

It was the latest in a series of very public outbursts from Thomas Markle, this one being the final straw for the Duchess of Sussex.

Sources claim that although Meghan, 37, does want to maintain a relationship with her father she feels they need time apart.

Speaking to The Sun a US source said: "Meghan loves Thomas and does want to maintain a relationship with him in the long run.

"But at the moment she feels he needs and bit of space. She also wants to take a bit of time out."

Adding that the newly minted Duchess wants to focus on settling into royal life she has reportedly admitted there is no "quick fix" for her relationship with her father.