Thomas Markle Snr, the 81-year-old father of the Duchess of Sussex, is facing a substantial medical bill after undergoing a life-saving leg amputation in the Philippines. His son, Thomas Markle Jnr, has revealed that health insurance will not cover the costs of the operation and subsequent care, leaving the family to pay out of pocket.
Mr Markle Snr had his left leg amputated in a three-hour operation after being rushed to hospital on Tuesday. He had recently moved from Rosarito, Mexico, to the island of Cebu in the Philippines. His son described the situation as a 'big, serious deal' and said they are working to raise funds, possibly through a GoFundMe campaign.
Thomas Markle Jnr, who is his father's full-time carer, said: 'So, got kind of really screwed on insurance here... nothing that he had there that he thought is going to cover him here. So everything's out of pocket and it's going to be a day-by-day thing.' He added that his father's recovery will require extensive care and a significant adjustment.
The Duchess of Sussex, who has been estranged from her father, is said to have 'reached out' to him after the operation. Mr Markle Snr was due to walk Meghan down the aisle at her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018 but pulled out on doctors' orders after suffering two heart attacks. He has never met his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
Thomas Markle Jnr and his father had been living in a £500-a-month apartment before moving to cheaper accommodation days before the medical emergency. The family is now seeking financial support to cover the mounting medical expenses.
