The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has made contact with her father, Thomas Markle Snr, following the revelation that he underwent a life-saving leg amputation earlier this week.
A Critical Health Emergency
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Thomas Markle Snr, who now lives in the Philippines, had been rushed to hospital in a critical condition. The 80-year-old fell ill at his home in Cebu, where he moved in 2025, after a blood clot caused his leg to turn black. His son, Thomas Markle Jnr, stated that doctors warned it was "a case of life or death" and that the limb had to be removed.
The major three-hour operation to amputate the leg below the knee was performed to prevent a fatal outcome. Medical staff had been gravely concerned about the risks of sepsis or gangrene, as the flesh was described as "black and dying". Thomas Markle Snr is now under constant observation in hospital, with the next few days deemed critical for his recovery. The family has requested privacy as he recuperates before he can return home.
A Fractured Royal Relationship
This contact marks a significant moment, as Meghan Markle has not spoken to her father since her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018. Thomas Markle Snr was due to walk his daughter down the aisle at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, but suffered two heart attacks just before the ceremony and could not attend.
The relationship breakdown intensified after he posed for staged paparazzi photos before the wedding and following a heated phone call with Prince Harry while he was in hospital. Thomas has since claimed to feel "disrespected" by the couple. Despite public pleas, he has never met his son-in-law, Prince Harry, nor his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. He has previously said his "only wish" was to meet the children before he dies.
Thomas Markle Snr's health has been declining for years; he suffered a stroke in 2022 which temporarily robbed him of his speech, and he required extensive therapy to recover.
A Gesture of Reconciliation
On Friday night, a spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex confirmed that Meghan had "reached out to her father" following news of his dire health situation. This move comes amid the ongoing estrangement and his fight for survival after the traumatic surgery. Whether this contact will lead to a lasting reconciliation within the Markle family remains to be seen, but it represents a poignant development during a time of severe medical crisis.
