Arzen Rose Dulzura

Meghan Markle’s father underwent life-saving leg amputation in Cebu; reports say ‘she reached out’ following surgery

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p>Meghan Markle’s father Thomas Markle had his left leg amputated below the knee after a life-threatening medical emergency, according to a Daily Mail report on December 5. </p><p>The retired Hollywood lighting director, at 81 years old, reportedly went through a three-hour surgery on December 3 when a blood clot cut off circulation to his left foot and lower leg, causing the limb to turn black. His son, Thomas Jr., confirmed the news and shared what the family had faced in the hours leading up to the operation. </p><p>“My dad is being very brave. His foot turned blue and 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,” he said, describing the urgency of the situation as doctors prepared for the procedure. </p><p>Thomas is the father-in-law of British Royalty Prince Harry and the grandfather of Prince Archie and Princess Lillibet. He relocated to Cebu earlier this year, hoping to start a “new life” away from what he previously described as the “constant pain” of his estrangement from Meghan since 2018.  </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1765089232049New Project (2).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">BBC/Daily Mail/Solo Syndication</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/9/15/prince-harry-says-has-clear-conscience-over-explosive-memoir-1312"><strong><u>READ: Prince Harry says has &#x27;clear conscience&#x27; over explosive memoir</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>After being evaluated in a local facility, he was rushed by ambulance to a bigger hospital where surgeons immediately removed the affected limb. Thomas Jr. explained that there had been no chance for delay. “There was no option. I was told the leg had to be removed and it was a case of life or death,” he said. </p><p>Doctors reportedly remained concerned about his condition following the operation, as he still needed another procedure to remove a blood clot in his left thigh. He remained in the intensive care unit in stable condition, with physicians closely monitoring the risk of infection. </p><p>“One of his doctors said the next two or three days are critical. His left leg has been removed below the knee. They were worried about infection setting in - sepsis or gangrene. The flesh was black and dying,” Thomas Jr. said. “&#x27;There was no option given. It was either ‘we have to operate now and remove the leg’ or he may die”. </p><p>“It was a life-threatening situation,” he emphasized.  </p><p>Amid the health crisis, Meghan ‘reached out’ to her estranged father, according to People. “I can confirm she has reached out to her father,” a spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex said on December 5. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/8/12/harry-and-meghan-sign-reduced-deal-with-netflix-1120"><strong><u>READ: Harry and Meghan sign reduced deal with Netflix</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Thomas Markle raised Meghan single-handedly from the age of 11 to 18 years. Their relationship became strained ahead of the 2018 royal wedding after he posed for paparazzi photos, believing the images would help his public image. He later suffered two heart attacks and was unable to attend the ceremony at St. George’s Chapel. Meghan walked part of the aisle alone before King Charles stepped in to accompany her, which Thomas had previously called “incredibly kind and generous.” </p><p>His health had continued to decline in recent years, including a major stroke in 2022 that temporarily affected his ability to speak. He has never met Prince Harry in person nor his grandchildren Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/life/05/16/18/meghan-markles-father-overshadows-wedding-to-prince-harry"><strong><u>READ: Meghan Markle&#x27;s father overshadows wedding to Prince Harry</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Thomas shared earlier this year that his decision to relocate in Cebu was also influenced by the public attention surrounding Meghan and Prince Harry. “I was constantly reminded of my estrangement from my daughter while I was in the US and Mexico. I could not escape her and Harry who were always on TV with their shows, books and interviews,” he said. “So I moved to the other side of the world hoping for a quieter life.” </p><p>His family now waits as he continues to recover in hospital, with the next few days seen as critical for his condition. </p>

<p>Thomas Markle got his left leg amputated in the Philippines after an emergency health crisis. Reports say Meghan reached out to her father from whom she had became estranged since 2018. </p>

Thomas Markle got his left leg amputated in the Philippines after an emergency health crisis. Reports say Meghan reached out to her father from whom she had became estranged since 2018.