Thomas Markle, the 81-year-old father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is in intensive care after a medical emergency. His son, Thomas Markle Jr, confirmed that the retired TV lighting director is stable but heavily medicated following what doctors described as a life-threatening situation.
Thomas Jr told the Daily Mail: 'I went to see Dad today. He is heavily medicated on painkillers and other drugs. 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.'
The family expressed gratitude for global support, particularly from Britain. Thomas's eldest daughter, Samantha Markle, added: 'We are all hoping and praying that Dad pulls through.' Thomas was hospitalised on Tuesday in the Philippines, where he lives, after doctors warned his life was in imminent danger. He underwent emergency surgery and was transferred by ambulance to a larger hospital.
Thomas has been estranged from Meghan since her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018 and has never met his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. He previously criticised Meghan's Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, questioning her authenticity. Thomas Jr urged Meghan and Harry to make contact, saying: 'I would implore Meghan and Harry to reach out to Dad.'
