Meghan Markle’s Father, Thomas Markle, 81, Has Leg Amputation in the Philippines

Key Updates on Thomas Markle’s Health

• Thomas Markle has undergone amputation of his left leg below the knee.
• His son, Thomas Jr., described the surgery as a “life or death” decision made necessary by a blood clot.
• The Duchess of Sussex has been estranged from her father since her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.

Thomas Markle, father of Meghan Markle, has had surgery to amputate his left leg and is currently in intensive care. His son confirmed that the procedure was necessary due to a serious health condition.

The 81-year-old underwent the surgery on December 3 after a blood clot in his thigh reportedly impeded blood circulation. The three-hour operation occurred in the Philippines, where Thomas relocated with his son earlier this year. According to the Daily Mail, Thomas Jr. explained that the situation escalated quickly, stating, “My dad’s foot turned blue then black. It happened very quickly. I took him to a local hospital, and they did some scans and an ultrasound and said the leg had to be amputated.”

“There was no option,” he added. “I was told the leg had to be removed and it was a case of life or death.”

A representative for the Duchess of Sussex declined to comment on the matter. Attempts to reach Thomas Markle Jr. for further details were also made.

Thomas Jr. added that his father is recovering after the amputation but is still in a critical condition. “One of his doctors said the next two or three days are critical. They were worried about infection setting in — sepsis or gangrene,” he said.

Thomas Markle has experienced various health issues in recent years, including a stroke in 2022.

Meghan Markle, 44, has been estranged from her father since her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, following his admission of staging paparazzi photos for a tabloid and his subsequent actions that Meghan claimed included lying about speaking to the press. Although he later expressed regret, Thomas did not attend the wedding, leading Prince Charles to walk Meghan down the aisle.

In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan discussed the fractured relationship with her father, stating, “I’ve lost my father.” She recalled confronting him about the staged photos, expressing her concern and desire for honesty, which he was unable to provide. Meghan noted that this conflict deeply resonates with her as a mother.

In the couple’s 2022 docuseries, Harry shared his own reflections, saying he “shouldered” some of the blame for the fallout, emphasizing the significant impact it has had on Meghan’s relationship with her father.

The news of Thomas Markle’s health comes just as the latest episode of Meghan’s Netflix series, With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, premiered on December 3. The series showcases the family traditions Meghan and Harry are developing for their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, including crafting advent calendars and preparing a special Christmas Eve meal learned from her mother.