URGENT UPDATE: Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan Markle, has had his left leg amputated below the knee due to severe complications from a blood clot. His son, Thomas Markle Jr., confirmed the emergency surgery took place on December 3, 2023, in the Philippines.
The 81-year-old former Hollywood lighting director faced a life-threatening situation when a blood clot cut off circulation to his leg, prompting immediate medical intervention. “My dad is being very brave,” Thomas Jr. told the Daily Mail. “His foot turned blue and then black. It happened very quickly.” He explained that doctors indicated amputation was the only option to save his father’s life.
Thomas Jr. described the urgency of the situation, stating, “There was no option given. It was either, ‘We have to operate now and remove the leg, or he may die.’” He emphasized that doctors are “extremely concerned” about Thomas Markle’s health, noting that he may require further surgery to address a blood clot in his thigh.
The elder Markle was initially hospitalized in intensive care in Cebu following an undisclosed illness. “They raced us by ambulance, with the sirens going, to a much bigger hospital in the center of the city,” Thomas Jr. recounted. “I would ask everyone around the world to keep him in their thoughts.”
His daughter, Samantha Markle, aged 61, expressed her fears for their father’s health, stating, “My father has been through two heart attacks, a stroke and an earthquake. I hope he can pull through this.” The family is rallying for support as they navigate this critical health crisis.
This surgery comes amid ongoing estrangement between Thomas Markle and his daughter Meghan, who has distanced herself from her father since her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018. Their relationship has been fraught with tension, particularly after Thomas was accused of staging paparazzi photos ahead of their wedding.
Readers around the globe are urged to keep Thomas Markle in their thoughts as the family faces this challenging ordeal. The next few days are critical for his recovery, as doctors are monitoring for potential complications such as sepsis or gangrene.
Stay tuned for further updates on Thomas Markle’s condition as this story develops.
