Thomas Markle, estranged father of Meghan Markle, is fighting for his life in a Philippines hospital after having suffered a medical emergency on December 2, 2025.
The 81-year-old has cut a polarizing figure since rising to relative fame as a result of his daughter’s relationship (and subsequent marriage) with Prince Harry.
Thomas and Meghan had a very public falling out prior to the latter’s royal wedding in 2018. At the time, it was revealed that Thomas had been colluding with photographers who paid him for photos showing him preparing for the wedding – he had reportedly been given strict orders not to talk with the press.
The fallout saw him pull out of his daughter’s wedding entirely, with King Charles walking Meghan down the aisle during the ceremony at Windsor. Health issues were also cited as reasons for Thomas’ absence – he had reportedly suffered two heart attacks around the same time.
Now, according to loved ones, Thomas Markle is in a fight for his life.
According to his son, Thomas Markle Jr, Meghan’s father fell dangerously ill at home a week ago, requiring instant and urgent medical attention. On Wednesday, December 3 he underwent a three-hour operation and was placed in the intensive care unit as doctors prepared to remove a blood clot.
Thomas Jr. told the Daily Mail: “I took dad to a hospital close to our home and they did various scans and the doctors said his life was in imminent danger.”
He went on: “They raced us by ambulance, with the sirens going, to a much bigger hospital in the centre of the city. My dad has undergone emergency surgery. I would ask everyone around the world to keep him in their thoughts.”
As per People Magazine, Thomas Sr and Jr have been living in the Philippines since earlier this year. Jr revealed that his father’s foot had turned “blue then black” last Monday, before doctors determined that amputation was necessary.
“My only wish is that Meghan shows my father some compassion. He is literally fighting for his life,” Thomas Jr. said.
Following much speculation online, it was later confirmed that Meghan had indeed reached out to her father following his leg operation.
“I can confirm she has reached out to her father,” a spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex told PEOPLE.
Meghan’s father has spoken openly of his heartbreak at the breakdown of the relationship with his daughter.
When asked about his move to the Philippines, he explained it was to get away from the constant reminders of his estrangement from his daughter.
“Every day there was some story or other about Meghan and Harry,” he told the Mail on Sunday earlier this year.
“It was a constant reminder that my daughter is no longer speaking to me. I still do not understand why she continues to ghost me. My only wish is to see my grandchildren before I die. My only wish is to see my grandchildren before I die.”
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