Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan Markle, has undergone a leg amputation due to severe health complications. The surgery took place on December 3, 2023, in Cebu, Philippines, where the 81-year-old former Hollywood lighting director was hospitalized following a critical health scare.
According to his son, Thomas Markle Jr., the decision to amputate was made after a blood clot compromised circulation to his father’s left leg, causing significant discoloration. “My dad is being very brave. His foot turned blue and then black. It happened very quickly,” Thomas Jr. shared with the Daily Mail. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “There was no option. I was told the leg had to be removed and it was a case of life or death.”
Thomas Jr., aged 59, reported that his father is expected to undergo further surgery to address a blood clot in his left thigh. Medical professionals have expressed serious concerns about Thomas Markle’s health. “One of his doctors said the next two or three days are critical,” he added, highlighting fears of potential infection, including sepsis or gangrene. The situation had escalated rapidly, prompting immediate medical intervention.
Earlier reports indicated that Thomas Markle was admitted to intensive care after experiencing an undisclosed illness. “I took dad to a hospital close to our home, and they did various scans. The doctors said his life was in imminent danger,” Thomas Jr. recounted. The family was transported by ambulance to a larger hospital for urgent care.
Samantha Markle, Thomas’s daughter from his first marriage, also expressed her concerns. “He is a strong man, but he has been through so much. I am praying that he is strong enough to survive this,” the 61-year-old told the Daily Mail. She reflected on her father’s health history, which includes two heart attacks and a stroke.
Meghan Markle, 44, has been estranged from her father since her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018. At that time, Thomas Markle faced backlash for allegedly staging paparazzi photos, causing strain in their relationship. In a 2022 Netflix documentary, Meghan recounted her attempt to reach out to her father amid the controversy, expressing her disbelief when he denied taking money from tabloids for staged images.
While the family grapples with this health emergency, they have called for public support and positive thoughts for Thomas Markle’s recovery. The situation underscores the complex dynamics within the Markle family as they navigate personal challenges amidst public scrutiny.
As Thomas Markle continues to recover, further updates regarding his health and any subsequent medical procedures are anticipated.
