Meghan Markle successfully delivers message to father Thomas Markle following health complications
UPDATE — 12/10/25, 5:40 a.m. ET: Meghan Markle has successfully ensured a letter reached her father, Thomas Markle, following his lower leg amputation.
“Utilizing reliable and trustworthy intermediaries, her message has safely reached its recipient,” a spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex informed Us Weekly on Wednesday, December 10.
Original story:
Meghan Markle initiated direct measures to reach out to her estranged father, Thomas Markle, in light of his recent health complications.
Us Weekly learned that Meghan, 44, contacted various hospitals in the Philippines upon discovering Thomas, 81, had been admitted for a blood clot resulting in the amputation of his leg.
Beyond the hospital inquiries, Meghan composed a letter for her father. Us understands that the Duchess of Sussex anticipated the message would be delivered to Thomas within a day.
The Times first published this information.
Inside Meghan Markle's Relationship With Estranged Father Thomas Markle Sr.
Last week, Thomas Markle Jr., Thomas’ son, disclosed that his father had undergone a significant medical procedure.
“My father displayed immense courage. His foot rapidly changed color from blue to black. I transported him to a local hospital where scans and an ultrasound confirmed the necessity of amputation,” Thomas Jr., 59, informed the Daily Mail on Friday, December 5. “The medical staff stated there were no alternatives; the leg removal was critical for survival.”
On the same day, Us verified that Meghan had “contacted her father” following his operation.
The next day, Thomas informed the Daily Mail that he was “surprised” to learn Meghan had made an effort to contact him. Although Thomas hadn't received direct communication from his daughter, he expressed optimism regarding a potential reconciliation.
“Naturally, I desire communication with [Meghan], though I question if these specific conditions are appropriate,” Thomas stated to the outlet in an interview released on Saturday, December 6. “I have consistently expressed willingness to reconcile with my daughter. My affection for her remains unchanged. I do not wish to pass away in estrangement from Meghan. I hope to meet my grandchildren and possibly her husband as well.”
Meghan Markle’s Family Guide: Meet the Duchess’ Parents and Siblings
The relationship between Meghan and Thomas soured prior to her 2018 marriage to Prince Harry. The rift began when Thomas confessed to collaborating on staged photographs depicting a suit fitting. However, Thomas’ other daughter, Samantha, subsequently informed the U.K. talk show Loose Women that she was “completely responsible” for orchestrating the photo opportunity, intending to portray her father favorably.
“The media often captures people in casual, unflattering moments and exaggerates them. I pointed out that 'the public is unaware of your efforts to improve your health; they capture unfavorable images rather than positive actions like buying healthy groceries,'” she recalled in 2018. “Therefore, I suggested, 'You must demonstrate to the world that you are physically active and living healthily.' I recommended [the photo opportunity]. Despite speculation regarding financial gain, it was not for profit. My intention was to benefit both him and the royal family by presenting him favorably, as someone committed to health and fitness.”
Ultimately, Thomas was absent from Meghan and Harry’s wedding ceremony due to undergoing heart surgery just days prior.
