The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has firmly stated that she has made contact with her seriously ill father, Thomas Markle Snr, contradicting his public claims that he has not heard from his daughter. The 81-year-old former lighting director is currently hospitalised in the Philippines following a medical emergency.
A Critical Health Battle and Conflicting Accounts
Thomas Markle Snr was rushed to hospital earlier this week after falling ill at his home. He underwent a three-hour operation to remove a blood clot after his left foot turned "blue and then black". The situation necessitated an amputation below the knee. His son, Thomas Markle Jnr, has indicated that the next few days are critical for his recovery.
In response to the spreading news about her father's condition, a spokesperson for Meghan confirmed, "I can confirm she has reached out to her father." This contact reportedly broke a silence that has lasted since her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018. Thomas had been due to attend the Windsor Castle ceremony but suffered two heart attacks beforehand, preventing his travel.
The Dispute Over Communication
However, reports have emerged suggesting Thomas Markle is "confused" by the assertion of contact. According to the Mail on Sunday, he stated he had received no messages from Meghan and has not changed his phone number. The publication further claimed the Duchess used an email address that had been inactive for at least five years, and that Mr Markle "never uses email".
Meghan's team has robustly countered these claims. Her spokesperson clarified that the Duchess sent an email to her father at 11:53am Pacific Time on Friday, December 5. They asserted the email address was provided by Thomas Markle himself and that no bounce-back notification was received. The spokesperson added that Meghan has asked her advisors to contact reporters to obtain reliable alternative contact details or the name of the hospital where her father is being treated, but has received no response.
A Plea for Reconciliation and a Strained History
Speaking directly to the Daily Mail from his hospital bed, Thomas Markle issued an emotional plea to his daughter. "Of course I want to speak to her but I am not sure if these are the right circumstances," he said. "I've always said I am open to reconciling with my daughter. I have never stopped loving her. I don't want to die estranged from Meghan. I want to meet my grandkids. It might be nice to meet her husband too."
The relationship between father and daughter has been strained for years, notably after Thomas was caught staging paparazzi photographs in the run-up to the royal wedding. The former Emmy award-winner now lives in a £500-a-month flat in Cebu, Philippines, over 7,000 miles from Meghan and Harry's home in Los Angeles. He has never met his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
As Thomas Markle continues his fight for health, the public disagreement over communication underscores the deep and painful rift within the family. Meghan's representatives maintain that "every effort is being made" to establish a reliable line of contact with her ailing father.
