The father of the Duchess of Sussex, Thomas Markle, has issued a fresh update on his health following a serious medical emergency that led to the amputation of part of his leg earlier this month.
A Serious Health Crisis and Major Surgery
Thomas Markle, who is 81 years old, was rushed to a hospital in the Philippines, where he now resides, after suffering a massive blood clot. The medical complication was so severe that doctors were forced to amputate his left leg below the knee. The surgery took place in early December 2025, marking a dramatic turn in the health of the former Hollywood lighting director.
Following the operation, Mr Markle has been moved to a rehabilitation hospital in Cebu, a city close to his son, Thomas Markle Junior. He is now undergoing daily physiotherapy as he learns to adapt and awaits being fitted with a prosthetic leg.
Recovery Progress and a Christmas Milestone
In a statement to the Mail on Sunday, Thomas Markle struck a positive note about his challenging journey. "I have much to celebrate. I am doing well and would like to thank all the people from around the world who have sent well-wishes," he said.
He detailed a significant achievement in his recovery, describing it as a "wonderful Christmas present." "I'm doing physiotherapy every day and have managed to sit on the side of the bed and even stood on my one remaining leg with the help of a nurse and a walking frame," he revealed. Mr Markle expressed profound gratitude to the medical team caring for him, acknowledging that "there is a long way to go."
Estrangement and a Letter Without Reconciliation
The health crisis has unfolded against the backdrop of a longstanding estrangement between Thomas Markle and his daughter, Meghan. Their relationship fractured in the lead-up to her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, after he admitted to staging paparazzi photographs.
It was reported that in the immediate aftermath of his surgery, the Duchess of Sussex managed to send a letter to her father. However, according to subsequent reports, Meghan has not received any reply and has since deleted her father's contact details. Sources indicate she has no plans to reunite with him.
The Sunday Times reported that Meghan did not call her father while he was in hospital, partly over fears their conversation could be overheard. The publication states the Duchess does not believe they will ever reconcile.
Financial Strain and Family Tensions
The situation has also highlighted financial pressures. Thomas Markle and his son have been forced to cover the substantial costs of his hospital care out of pocket, as his health insurance will not cover the treatment. Earlier this month, an online appeal was launched to help with these expenses.
Thomas Markle Junior has publicly addressed online speculation that his half-sister, whose net worth is estimated in the tens of millions following deals with Netflix and Spotify, had contributed to the medical bills. He firmly denied these claims, stating that Meghan and Prince Harry have not donated "a nickel" to help.
"It would have been nice to walk into the hospital and not have to pay any more bills and scramble to get the money from here, from there, wherever," he said, detailing recent payments of thousands of dollars. In a video message, he described his father as "a trouper" and "a tough old b******," vowing to continue protecting and looking after him during the long road to recovery ahead.
