Meghan Markle's father, Thomas Markle, has refuted claims that he was trapped in his apartment following a 6.9 magnitude earthquake in the Philippines. His daughter Samantha had posted on social media that he was stuck on the 19th floor and unable to walk, but Thomas insists he is safe and comfortable.
Speaking to TMZ, the 80-year-old said: 'Please don't worry about me, everything is okay.' He explained that the epicentre was 100 miles from his location and that his hotel was unaffected. He added: 'I'm currently sitting on the couch in my hotel room, with my feet kicked up and watching Charlie Chan movies. I'm quite comfortable.'
Samantha Markle, who has been critical of the Duchess of Sussex in the past, initially tweeted that her father was trapped and unable to walk. She later made her account private and updated that he was 'OK, and making plans to get out of that building'. Thomas said he had not spoken to her since the quake and was confused by her claims.
Thomas Markle moved to the Philippines earlier this year, where he is cared for by his son Tom. He has suffered two heart attacks and a stroke in recent years. He was due to walk Meghan down the aisle at her wedding to Prince Harry but pulled out on doctors' orders.
