The 81-year-old has long been a divisive figure, having stepped into the global spotlight due to Meghan’s relationship—and later marriage—to Prince Harry.
A Family Rift That Never Healed
Thomas and Meghan’s relationship famously fractured in 2018, just before her royal wedding. It emerged that he had coordinated with photographers who paid him for staged photos in the lead-up to the ceremony, despite being instructed not to engage with the press.
The scandal resulted in him withdrawing from the wedding altogether, with King Charles stepping in to walk Meghan down the aisle at Windsor. Thomas also cited health concerns—he had reportedly suffered two heart attacks around that time.
Now, loved ones say he is once again facing a life-threatening health battle.
Emergency Surgery and a “Fight for His Life”
According to Thomas Markle Jr., his father became gravely ill at home last week and needed immediate medical care. On Wednesday, December 3, Thomas underwent a three-hour operation and was transferred to the intensive care unit as doctors prepared to remove a dangerous 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 continued: “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 reported by People Magazine, Thomas Sr. and Jr. have been living in the Philippines since earlier this year. Thomas Jr. shared that his father’s foot had turned “blue then black” last Monday before doctors determined amputation was required.
“My only wish is that Meghan shows my father some compassion. He is literally fighting for his life,” he added.
After days of speculation on social media, it was confirmed that Meghan had reached out to her father following his leg surgery.
“I can confirm she has reached out to her father,” a spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex told PEOPLE.
A Father’s Ongoing Heartache
In recent interviews, Thomas Markle has spoken openly about the pain of being estranged from Meghan.
When asked about his decision to relocate to the Philippines, he explained that it was partly to escape constant reminders of their broken relationship.