August M
Doctors in the Philippines carried out an emergency procedure on Thomas Markle, father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, after a sudden vascular blockage left part of his leg without circulation
Thomas Markle, the 81-year-old father of the Duchess of Sussex, has had his left foot and lower leg amputated after a sudden medical emergency, the Daily Star reports. The three-hour operation followed a blood clot causing the limb to turn black.
Rapid decline
His son, Thomas Jr, said the situation deteriorated “very quickly”. After initial scans at a local hospital, doctors concluded the leg had to be removed or he would not survive.
Markle was transported by ambulance to a larger facility in Cebu, Philippines, where surgeons carried out the amputation.
Further surgery may be needed to address another clot, according to the report.
Public appeals
Thomas Jr told the Daily Mail that his father faces a long recovery and urged people to keep him in their thoughts.
He also appealed to Meghan to “show him compassion at this very difficult time”. The pair have been estranged since 2018, and Thomas Markle has never met Prince Harry or his grandchildren.
Years of health struggles
Markle, a retired Hollywood lighting director, has suffered several serious medical issues in recent years, including a major stroke in 2022 and multiple heart attacks around the time of Meghan’s wedding.
He relocated to the Philippines earlier this year in part to escape media attention. His daughter Samantha said she believes stress and emotional strain have contributed to his declining health notes Daily Star.
Sources: Daily Star
