Thomas Markle, the father of the Duchess of Sussex, has undergone an emergency leg amputation in the Philippines, revealing he has not heard from his daughter directly in the wake of the life-saving surgery.
A Shocking Early Morning Text
Caroline Graham, the US Editor for The Mail on Sunday and a close friend of Mr Markle, received a bombshell text message at 6.30am last Wednesday. The 81-year-old's message read simply: 'Going to lose the leg today.' This dramatic communication came before he had informed any members of his own family about the impending operation.
Mr Markle had been admitted to a hospital in Cebu after his left foot suddenly turned a blue-black colour and swelled painfully, leaving him unable to walk. His son, Tom Jr, who lives with him in the Philippines, explained that a massive blood clot in his father's thigh had cut off circulation, causing the tissue in his foot to die.
A Father's Plea for Reconciliation
From his hospital bed, Thomas Markle expressed a heartfelt desire to heal the rift with his youngest daughter, which has persisted since her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. 'I've always said I am open to reconciling with my daughter,' he stated. 'I have never stopped loving her. I don't want to die estranged from Meghan. I want to meet my grandkids.'
He confirmed reports that he has not heard from Meghan directly, despite claims she had 'reached out'. A spokesperson for the Sussexes said an email was sent to an address Mr Markle has not used for at least five years. Hospital staff in Cebu also confirmed no contact from the Duchess or her team.
The Fight for Survival and Recovery
The medical situation was grave. Dr Alexander Kaw, part of the surgical team, described a blood clot at least 14 inches long. Amputation below the knee was the only option to prevent a fatal infection from spreading. 'There was no chance of saving the leg,' Dr Kaw stated.
Mr Markle remains in intensive care, having suffered an irregular heartbeat after the three-hour operation. His recovery and rehabilitation are expected to take months, and he has admitted to fears about his future independence. 'I'm grateful to be alive. But living without a leg is a tough prospect. I'm worried,' he confessed, though he has attempted to maintain his spirits with gallows humour.
As he faces a long road ahead, Thomas Markle's primary wish remains clear: a chance to reconnect with the daughter from whom he has been estranged for over five years, and to finally meet his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
