The father of the Duchess of Sussex, Thomas Markle, spent last night in intensive care in what has been described as a stable condition. The 81-year-old is recovering from emergency surgery following a sudden and severe medical crisis.
A Life-Threatening Emergency
Thomas Markle was rushed to hospital on Tuesday after falling gravely ill at the home he shares with his son in Cebu, Philippines. His son, Thomas Markle Jr, 59, revealed to the Daily Mail that his father underwent a major operation lasting more than three hours on Wednesday. He characterised the situation as a "life-threatening emergency".
"I went to see Dad today. He is heavily medicated on painkillers and other drugs," said Markle Jr. "He is hooked up to all kinds of machines. He's pretty much out of it. The doctors say he is stable, which is good news. He is a brave man and a fighter."
Family Appeals for Support and Contact
The Markle family has expressed gratitude for the global wave of support, with particular thanks to well-wishers in Britain. Thomas Markle Jr confirmed the family has not heard from the Sussex camp regarding his father's critical health situation. He added a personal plea: "I would implore Meghan and Harry to reach out to Dad."
Mr Markle's daughter, Samantha, 61, echoed the family's concerns, stating: "We are all hoping and praying that Dad pulls through. He has a long journey of recovery ahead of him."
A History of Health Struggles
This latest crisis is not the first serious health scare for the retired Emmy-award winning Hollywood lighting director. He suffered two heart attacks just before Meghan's 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, an event from which their estrangement stems. He then experienced a stroke in 2022, and his health has been increasingly frail since.
The Sussexes have yet to make any public comment on the health crisis of Thomas Markle, who has never met his son-in-law, Prince Harry, or his grandchildren, Archie, six, and Lilibet, four. The family moved to the Philippines at the start of this year.
