The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has initiated contact with her estranged father, Thomas Markle, following a major medical emergency that resulted in the amputation of his left leg. This marks a significant development in a relationship that has been fractured since 2018.
A Medical Crisis Prompts Contact
Earlier this week, Thomas Markle was rushed to a hospital in the Philippines after falling seriously ill at his home. The medical emergency was caused by a blood clot, which led to his leg turning black. Surgeons were forced to perform a life-saving operation, amputating the limb. A spokesman for the Duchess of Sussex confirmed the outreach, stating simply: "I can confirm she has reached out to her father."
Years of Estrangement and a Public Fallout
The contact breaks a silence that has lasted for over seven years. The father and daughter are believed to have last seen each other before Meghan's wedding to Prince Harry in 2018. Their relationship famously broke down after it was revealed that Thomas Markle had collaborated with paparazzi to stage photographs in the lead-up to the royal ceremony. The rift has been a persistent feature of Meghan's life as a working royal and beyond.
Other Royal Developments This Week
This personal family matter unfolds against a backdrop of other royal engagements and controversies. The Princess of Wales recently hosted her fifth annual 'Together at Christmas' carol service at Westminster Abbey, attended by Prince William and their children. Notably absent were Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who reportedly had prior family commitments.
In a separate financial matter, a lifestyle app linked to Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, received over £1 million in taxpayers' money but never launched before entering administration. Ferguson had been an ambassador and investor for the venture, named vVoosh.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry faced criticism from a royal expert following his appearance on a US television show, where he made comments about former President Donald Trump.
The Duchess of Sussex's decision to reach out signals a potential thaw in one of the most scrutinised family estrangements within the royal sphere, prompted by a grave health crisis. Whether this contact leads to a fuller reconciliation remains to be seen.
