Meghan Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle, has undergone surgery to amputate his left leg below the knee following serious medical complications, according to reports.
Thomas Markle Jr., his son, told the Daily Mail that the procedure was performed on December 3 at a hospital in Cebu, Philippines, where the former Hollywood lighting director is currently living. Markle, 81, reportedly required the amputation after a blood clot cut off circulation to his left leg, causing severe tissue damage.
According to Thomas Jr., his father’s condition deteriorated rapidly, leaving doctors with no alternative but emergency surgery.
He said the leg had turned blue and then black, raising concerns about infection and the risk of sepsis or gangrene. Doctors determined the operation was necessary to save his life.
Thomas Jr. added that his father is now expected to undergo additional surgery to remove a blood clot in his left thigh, and that doctors remain deeply concerned about his overall condition. He said the days following the operation are critical.
Earlier reports indicated that Thomas Markle had been admitted to intensive care earlier in the week following an undisclosed illness. He was initially taken to a local hospital before being transferred by ambulance to a larger medical facility in Cebu.
Thomas Markle has faced multiple major health challenges in recent years, including two heart attacks and a stroke. His daughter, Samantha Markle, told the Daily Mail that the family is hoping he has the strength to recover, noting that he has endured significant hardships in the past.
Thomas Markle Jr. and Samantha Markle are Thomas Markle’s children from his first marriage. He shares his youngest daughter, Meghan Markle, with his former wife, Doria Ragland.
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has been estranged from her father since her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018.
Their relationship became strained after Thomas Markle was accused of staging paparazzi photographs ahead of the royal wedding, an issue Meghan later discussed publicly in the Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan.
This article was first published on Us Magazine
