Meghan Markle reportedly has no plans to visit her father, Thomas Markle, after he underwent emergency surgery to amputate his left leg below the knee. The 81-year-old fell ill at his home in the Philippines on December 2 and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
A spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex confirmed last week that she had sent a letter to her father, but added that a reporter was present at his bedside “broadcasting each interaction”. According to The Sun, Meghan does not intend to fly to the Philippines to see him in person.
Thomas Markle told the Mail on Sunday that he does not want to die estranged from his daughter and wishes to meet her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as well as her husband, Prince Harry. He has never met his grandchildren, aged six and four.
Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Jr, said their father’s foot “turned black” before the amputation. He told MailOnline: “There was no option. I was told the leg had to be removed and it was a case of life or death.” Thomas Markle is believed to have been treated at University of Cebu Medical Centre and has since been moved from intensive care to a regular ward.
The estrangement dates back to 2018, when Thomas Markle pulled out of attending Meghan and Harry’s wedding after being caught staging paparazzi photos. He later spoke repeatedly to the media and criticised the duchess, though he has expressed a desire to reconcile.
