Meghan Markle's father Thomas Markle opened up about missing his daughter's wedding. Source - iTV
Meghan Markle’s father has made a plea to see his daughter “one more time before I die” after reportedly having his left leg below the knee amputated.
Thomas Markle, 81, was taken to a hospital in the Philippines, where he lives, on Tuesday (local time) after falling ill athis home. He had surgery on Wednesday (local time).
As he lay in a hospital bed after the operation, Markle told the Mail on Sunday he did not want to “die estranged”.
He told the outlet he wanted to see his son-in-law Prince Harry and his grandchildren “before it is too late”.
Earlier this week, the Duchess of Sussex’s office told media she had “reached out” to her father following reports of the operation, but he said he was “confused” by the news.
The Mail on Sunday reported that neither Markle nor the hospital he is in received any contact from the Duchess or her representatives.
Meghan Markle's father Thomas Markle (inset) has made a plea to see his daughter after having his left leg below the knee amputated. Photos / Channel 5, Roger Smith
Markle’s son, Thomas Markle jnr, earlier said the surgery was needed after a blood clot cut off circulation in his father’s leg.
“There was no option. I was told the leg had to be removed, and it was a case of life or death.”
“My Dad is being very brave. His foot turned blue and then black. It happened very quickly,” he told the Daily Mail.
A surgeon who reportedly operated on Markle confirmed the surgery was a life-or-death matter, as a “massive blood clot” had stopped circulation to his lower leg and foot.
“Had the infection in the foot moved to his heart, it would most likely have been fatal. He is doing well, but he is not out of the woods yet,” the surgeon told the Mail on Sunday.
Markle’s medical crisis came after several years of reported health challenges, including a stroke in 2022.
He has been estranged from his daughter since shortly before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.
The Duchess began to distance herself from Markle after he posed for paparazzi pictures before the wedding, despite reportedly being told not to speak to the media.
Markle is expected to be moved from intensive care to a regular ward in the coming days, the Mail on Sunday reported.
