The estranged father of Meghan Markle has turned to public fundraising after undergoing an emergency leg amputation in the Philippines, highlighting renewed strain within a family long fractured by public disputes and private grievances.
Thomas Markle Sr., 81, is recovering from what relatives described as a "life or death" medical crisis after he fell seriously ill at his home in Cebu earlier this month. The former Hollywood lighting director, who relocated from Mexico to the Philippines earlier this year, has no local health insurance, and his U.S. coverage does not apply overseas, leaving his family to shoulder mounting hospital bills.
According to Thomas Markle Jr., the emergency escalated rapidly when doctors determined that his father's circulation had failed. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Markle Jr said his father's foot turned "blue to black," leaving surgeons with no alternative but amputation. He later told the Mirror that the family is paying medical costs out of pocket because insurance would not cover treatment in the Philippines.
To manage the expenses, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by a family friend, Sally Preston. The campaign description states that Markle Sr faces "a lengthy and challenging road to recovery" and emphasizes the scale of ongoing care costs following the surgery. It adds: "Thomas has struggled with declining health for several years, battling heart issues, a previous stroke, circulation problems, and limited mobility. This most recent emergency has left him physically and emotionally shaken."
As of the morning of Dec. 22, the fundraiser had raised more than $6,500. Markle Jr said donations were modest but meaningful, noting that "every little cent counts." The elder Markle has previously survived two heart attacks and a stroke, compounding concerns over his recovery.
The episode has reopened long-standing tensions between Markle Sr and his daughter, now married to Prince Harry. Markle Jr rejected reports that Meghan had contributed financially to her father's care, telling the Daily Mail: "The one person who has the means to actually help and make a difference...no, nope, nothing." He continued by referencing past support his father provided during Meghan's early life and career.
The rift between Meghan and her father dates back to 2018, when Markle Sr staged paparazzi photographs shortly before her wedding at Windsor Castle. He was expected to walk her down the aisle but did not attend after suffering heart attacks in the days leading up to the ceremony.
Markle Jr said Meghan reached out to their father by email while he was in intensive care, though it remains unclear whether she will assist with medical costs. Markle Sr has publicly appealed to his daughter to visit him, saying he hopes to meet his son-in-law and grandchildren before his health deteriorates further.
A source told RadarOnline that the Duchess of Sussex does not intend to resume contact, stating: "She has made it clear that she wants this exchange to stay private and has no intention of revisiting past issues. Privately, she is saying she will never see Thomas again in person."
