Thomas Markle, the estranged father of the Duchess of Sussex, was reportedly trapped in his apartment in the Philippines after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the province of Cebu on Monday. The 80-year-old, who moved to the country earlier this year, was left stuck on the 19th floor of a high-rise building, according to his half-sister Samantha Markle.
Samantha, who has been critical of Meghan Markle, posted on X that her father was unable to walk and trapped in the building. She later updated that he was safe and making plans to leave, expressing gratitude for the concern shown. Thomas Markle, a former Hollywood lighting director, has been living in Cebu with his son Tom, seeking a quieter life away from the drama of recent years.
The earthquake, which struck the densely populated island, caused significant damage and left residents walking through rubble. Thomas, who has suffered two heart attacks and a stroke, uses a walking stick and has been struggling with the tropical heat. He had previously pulled out of walking Meghan down the aisle at her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018 due to health issues.
Thomas has not met Prince Harry but spoke to him on the phone before the wedding. He told friends he moved to the Philippines for peace and kindness, saying, 'At 80 it is time to go somewhere where the people are lovely and I can enjoy a quieter, friendlier existence.' The situation remains under observation as aftershocks are possible.
