Meghan Markle’s estranged relationship along with her father, Thomas Markle, has been thrust again into the highlight after the 81-year-old underwent emergency surgical procedure this month to amputate his left leg under the knee following a blood clot that reduce off circulation. The previous Hollywood lighting director was rushed to intensive care within the Philippines, the place he now faces one other process to take away a blood clot in his thigh. In accordance with son Thomas Jr., medical doctors stay “extraordinarily involved” for his father’s welfare, although he’s at present in secure situation.
The well being scare comes as Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, reportedly stay out of contact with Thomas. Meghan has by no means reconciled along with her father or her half-siblings Samantha and Thomas Jr., who’ve publicly criticized each her and the royal household through the years. Thomas Jr., who lives subsequent door to his dad, pleaded for Meghan to achieve out: “I’d implore Meghan and Harry to achieve out to Dad.”
Thomas Sr.’s well being has been fragile for years, together with two coronary heart assaults on the eve of Meghan’s marriage ceremony and a life-threatening stroke. He moved to the Philippines in January 2025 searching for “peace” after a long time of household drama. “At 80, it’s time to go someplace the place the persons are pretty and I can take pleasure in a quieter, friendlier existence,” he mentioned. “Principally, I simply need peace… not one of the terrible drama of current years.”
The Markle household drama goes again a long time. Earlier than Meghan and Harry even exchanged vows, Samantha and Thomas Jr. have been vocal critics. Samantha praised Meghan in 2016, saying, “She’s received the eloquence of a Condoleezza Rice, and the grace of Princess Diana,” however shortly turned a relentless critic after Meghan’s engagement. She accused Meghan of abandoning their father and even referred to as her “Cruella Deville” and “witchy poo” on Twitter.
Thomas Jr. additionally made his opinions clear, warning Prince Harry in a Could 2018 letter to not marry Meghan: “It turned very clear that that is the largest mistake in royal marriage ceremony historical past.” He later questioned why the royal household welcomed outsiders just like the Middletons however not Meghan’s personal prolonged household.
In the meantime, Thomas Sr. turned entangled in scandal when paparazzi photographs he staged in 2018 have been revealed, main him to determine to not stroll Meghan down the aisle. Regardless of the drama, Meghan and Harry tried to remain above all of it, asking for “understanding and respect to be prolonged to Mr. Markle on this tough state of affairs.”
