Published on December 5, 2025

Thomas Markle, father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is reported to be in a “stable” condition while receiving care in the intensive care unit.

Thomas Markle is ‘stable’ in intensive care

The 81-year-old, who worked as a television lighting director before retiring, has been estranged from his daughter since her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. Earlier this week, he was admitted to the hospital after experiencing a “life-threatening emergency,” according to his son, Thomas Jr.

Speaking with the Daily Mail, Thomas Jr shared, “I visited Dad today. He is on a heavy regimen of painkillers and other medications.”

“He’s connected to numerous machines and is largely unresponsive,” he added, describing his father’s current state.

“The doctors say he is stable, which is good news. He is a brave man and a fighter.

“The whole family is grateful for the outpouring of love and well-wishes from people around the globe, particularly from Britain.

“We thank everyone for their support and ask that you keep sending positive thoughts for Dad’s recovery.”

Thomas’ eldest daughter Samantha Markle added: “We are all hoping and praying that Dad pulls through.

“He has a long journey of recovery ahead of him.”

Thomas has been in frail health in recent years and his son has urged Meghan and Harry to make contact with him.

He said: “I would implore Meghan and Harry to reach out to Dad.”

Thomas was hospitalised on Tuesday (02.12.25) in his adopted home of the Philippines after being told by doctors that his “life was in imminent danger”.

Thomas Jr, 59, told the Daily Mail: “I took dad to a hospital close to our home and they did various scans and the doctors said his life was in imminent danger.

“They raced us by ambulance, with the sirens going, to a much bigger hospital in the centre of the city. My dad has undergone emergency surgery. I would ask everyone around the world to keep him in their thoughts.”

Thomas has had no contact with his daughter since she married Harry and has never met his grandchildren Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.

He had previously suggested that he was unimpressed by his youngest child’s Netflix lifestyle show With Love, Meghan.

He told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: “I haven’t seen the show but I’ve seen a ton of clips and I’ve read many stories. I might sit down and watch it one day but I’m not sure.

“Cooking shows are horrendously boring unless the presenter has a passion for it.

“You have to be authentic to hold people’s attention. When you are stuffing the turkey’s a*** it has to look like you’re having fun doing it.

“Unfortunately Meghan has never been authentic. She has to think about everything. She’s not spontaneous. Everything she says is pre-planned and rehearsed. It makes me laugh because I know all her looks and expressions.

“I know when she’s faking it for the cameras. She’s trying so hard to be perfect that she tenses up every time the camera is on her.”

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