Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan Markle, is fighting for his life in a hospital in the Philippines after a medical emergency on December 2, 2025. The 81-year-old became a polarizing figure after Meghan’s rise to royalty and their highly public fallout before her 2018 wedding.
Their relationship fractured when it was revealed Thomas had staged paid photos ahead of the wedding despite being advised not to speak to the press. He later withdrew from the ceremony citing health issues, leaving King Charles to walk Meghan down the aisle.
According to his son, Thomas Jr., Markle fell critically ill last week and underwent major surgery as doctors worked to remove a blood clot. He now faces possible amputation and remains in intensive care.
Thomas Jr. has urged people to keep his father in their thoughts, adding that his only wish is for Meghan to show compassion during this time. A spokesperson has confirmed that Meghan has recently reached out to her father following the operation.
Markle has previously spoken of the pain of their estrangement, saying his move to the Philippines was to escape constant reminders of his daughter, adding: “My only wish is to see my grandchildren before I die.”