The father of the Duchess of Sussex has relocated back to the United States from the Philippines to receive a cutting-edge prosthetic limb to aid in his mobility.
Thomas Markle, aged 81, has been undergoing rehabilitation following the amputation of his left leg during a three-hour surgery in December. Suffering from a blood clot in his left thigh, which obstructed the blood flow to his foot, he faced life-threatening circumstances. After residing on the island of Cebu in a bid to start afresh far from Harry and Meghan, he has now shifted to an undisclosed location.
His older daughter, Samantha, Meghan’s half-sister, disclosed that her father opted to return to the US for continued medical treatment. She expressed confidence that he would receive top-notch prosthetics and benefit from the support of loved ones during his recovery, deeming the challenging ordeal a spiritually uplifting journey for him.
Thomas Snr has been estranged from Meghan since his reported heart attacks before her 2018 wedding, preventing him from walking her down the aisle. Consequently, he has not met Prince Harry or his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
Following his recent surgery, Meghan extended communication to her father, sending a written message to his hospital bedside via US embassy representatives. However, Thomas Jnr, her half-brother, asserted that Meghan had not contributed financially towards their father’s care, despite the medical expenses not being covered by his insurance.
Previously residing in the Philippines, Mr. Markle expressed gratitude for the care he received from Filipino medical professionals, highlighting their role in saving his life post-amputation. He also revealed a budding relationship with a Filipino nurse, Rio Canedo, who has been pivotal in his recovery process, aiding him in physical and emotional rehabilitation.
Expressing his desire for a reunion with Meghan, Mr. Markle outlined his plans for acquiring an electric wheelchair and a prosthetic leg as part of his ongoing recovery journey.