Thomas Markle returns to US for prosthetic leg after discovering love with nurse
Thomas Markle, 81, has been in rehab since his left leg was amputated in a life-saving operation in December, and has now relocated from the Philippines to get the best prosthetic care
Meghan Markle and her father Thomas Markle
The Duchess of Sussex’s estranged father has returned to the US from the Philippines to be fitted with a cutting-edge prosthetic limb to aid his mobility.
Thomas Markle, 81, has been in rehabilitation since his left leg was amputated in a three-hour life-saving procedure in December. He narrowly escaped death when a blood clot in his left thigh obstructed the blood flow to his foot. The former Hollywood lighting director has now relocated to an undisclosed location after leaving his residence on the island of Cebu, where he had moved last year to begin a new life over 7,000 miles away from Harry and Meghan.
His elder daughter, Samantha, Meghan’s half-sister, said this evening: “Dad made the decision to come back to the US for ongoing medical care. He will be able to get the best prosthetics here and be surrounded by friends and family to support him. Even though he has been through such traumatic times, this has been a positive spiritual experience for dad.”
Thomas Snr has not spoken to Meghan since he claimed he suffered two heart attacks on the eve of her 2018 wedding and was unable to accompany her down the aisle. Consequently, he has never met Prince Harry or his grandchildren Archie, six, and Lilibet, four.
Following his most recent operation, representatives for the Duchess stated that she had “reached out” to her father. Meghan, who has been estranged from him since her 2018 marriage to Prince Harry, sent a letter to his hospital bedside, which was delivered by US embassy officials, reports the Mirror.
However, her half-brother Thomas Jnr, who previously stated that their father’s health insurance would not cover the cost of his care, alleges that Meghan, 44, has yet to contribute financially to help. Speaking in February, Thomas Jnr, 59, said: “He’s going through therapy. He’s going through physical rehab. We’re going to have to get him fitted for a prosthetic here pretty soon and get that man walking again. That’s the goal. That’s the priority.”
The Sunday Mirror disclosed Mr Markle’s relocation to the Philippines last year, revealing how he was residing in a £500-a-month high-rise flat, where he was being cared for by his son. Our exclusive photos showed him sitting alone while taking a break in the scorching heat outside a supermarket near his new home.
After having his left leg amputated below the knee in December, Mr Markle lauded the “care and compassion” of the Filipino people, stating: “I would not be alive today were it not for the care I received from the wonderful doctors and nurses in the Philippines. They saved my life.”
He also shared that he had found love with Filipino nurse Rio Canedo, 46, after he was transferred from hospital to a rehabilitation unit. Ms Canedo, a divorced mother of two, reportedly accompanied Mr Markle to the airport yesterday for an emotional goodbye.
He has mentioned that they plan to stay connected through Facetime and he hopes she will be able to visit him in the US soon. He attributes his weight loss and renewed determination to walk post-surgery to Ms Canedo, who is only two years Meghan’s senior.
He has also expressed his desire to reunite with Meghan before his time runs out. Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, he said: “The next stage is to get an electric wheelchair and then a prosthetic leg.”
