On December 6, 2025, Thomas Markle made a heartfelt plea to his daughter, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, asking her to visit him “one more time before I die.”

The 81-year-old, who once worked as a TV lighting director, recently underwent a major surgery in the Philippines, where doctors amputated his left leg below the knee. Markle is reaching out to Meghan in hopes of mending their fractured relationship following this critical “life or death” procedure.

Thomas Markle has issued an urgent plea to his daughter Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

With Markle’s consent, a surgeon shared details with the Mail on Sunday, stating, “We had to amputate the foot. A significant blood clot in his thigh had cut off circulation to his foot and lower leg.”

The surgeon further explained, “It was a life-or-death operation. If the infection from the foot had reached his heart, it could have been deadly. He is recovering well, but his situation remains precarious.”

“It was life-or-death surgery. 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.”

Thomas added that he was “confused” by reports suggesting that Meghan, 44, had “reached out” to him following the health scare.

With his permission, the hospital confirmed that their administration office, reception, intensive care unit nor doctors or nurses attending to Thomas had heard from the Duchess or her representatives.

A source said: “Mr Markle is a VIP patient. Of course we all know who he is. If Meghan or anyone connected with her had called here we would have known. It is a big hospital by Filipino standards but we all know each other and we all talk.

“We were all confused when we saw the story that the Duchess had reached out to her dad. As far as we are aware it didn’t happen. We would love to see the Duchess here in the Philippines!”

Thomas and Meghan have been estranged since the lead up to her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018 but he “would love to speak to” his youngest daughter and meet his grandchildren Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.

He said: “Of course I want to speak to her but I am not sure if these are the right circumstances.

“I’ve always said I’m open to reconciling with my daughter. I have never stopped loving her. I don’t want to die estranged from Meghan. I want to meet my grandkids. It might be nice to meet her husband too.”

<!–

–>