Meghan reaches out to estranged father after amputation reports, spokesman says

December 5, 2025

The Duchess of Sussex has made an effort to reach her father, Thomas Markle, following reports that he underwent leg amputation surgery while hospitalized in the Philippines. Their relationship deteriorated before her 2018 royal wedding after he staged paparazzi photos for payment and withdrew from attending the ceremony, leading King Charles (then Prince of Wales) to escort Meghan instead. Since the wedding, the two have remained estranged, with Thomas Markle never meeting his grandchildren and publicly criticizing the couple's departure from royal duties.

Who is affected

Thomas Markle (seriously ill, underwent leg amputation)
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (estranged daughter attempting contact)
Prince Harry (son-in-law)
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet (grandchildren who have not met their grandfather)
King Charles III (stepped in to walk Meghan down the aisle in 2018)

What action is being taken

Meghan is attempting to contact her father Thomas Markle
Thomas Markle is hospitalized in the Philippines receiving medical treatment

Why it matters

This situation is significant because it represents a potential reconciliation opportunity between Meghan and her father after years of public estrangement that has drawn international media attention. The medical crisis involving serious surgery and amputation may provide the catalyst for repairing their broken relationship, which deteriorated amid the intense scrutiny surrounding her marriage into the British royal family and has remained a source of ongoing public controversy.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC