Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan Markle, has recently undergone a critical surgical procedure to amputate his left leg below the knee, as exclusively revealed by the Daily Mail.

The operation, which lasted three hours, took place on Wednesday to address a severe issue where a blood clot had obstructed circulation to his lower limb, turning it black and necessitating immediate amputation.

Thomas Jr, his son, confirmed the situation last night, expressing admiration for his father’s bravery during this challenging time. “His foot turned blue and then black,” he explained. “The change was rapid. I took him to a nearby hospital where scans and an ultrasound indicated that amputation was the only option.”

Formerly a Hollywood lighting director, Thomas Markle, aged 81, was swiftly transferred by ambulance to a more equipped hospital in Cebu, Philippines, where he relocated earlier this year. This move was part of an effort to start a new chapter away from the distress of his ongoing estrangement from Meghan.

Upon arrival, medical professionals promptly conducted the operation to remove his limb, ensuring Mr. Markle received the urgent care he required.

Tom Jr said: ‘There was no option. I was told the leg had to be removed and it was a case of life or death.’

Thomas Markle underwent a three-hour operation on Wednesday to remove his left foot and lower leg after a blood clot cut off circulation and the limb turned black

Meghan Markle has not commented on her father’s health battle

The Duchess of Sussex, pictured in With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, is estranged from Thomas and Prince Harry has never met him

Mr Markle now faces another procedure to remove a blood clot in his left thigh.

He has never met his son-in-law Prince Harry or grandchildren Archie, six and four-year-old Lilibet.

His son Tom Jr, who has been his primary caregiver, said doctors remain ‘extremely concerned’ for his father’s welfare.

Mr Markle remains in the intensive care unit in stable condition.

Tom Jr said: ‘One of his doctors said the next two or three days are critical. His left leg has been removed below the knee. They were worried about infection setting in – sepsis or gangrene. The flesh was black and dying.

‘There was no option given.

‘It was either ‘we have to operate now and remove the leg or he may die.’

‘It was a life-threatening situation.’

Mr Markle has been estranged from his daughter – who he raised single-handedly from the age of 11 to 18 – since the 2018 royal wedding.

He posed for paparazzi pictures on the eve of the wedding believing they would show him in a better light.

He later suffered two heart attacks and said his daughter was ‘furious’ with him.

Mr Markle has had to have his left leg removed, below the knee

Thomas Markle Jr (pictured in 2018) told the Daily Mail his ‘brave’ father is now in a ‘stable condition’

When he was unable to attend her wedding at St George’s Chapel, Meghan entered on her own and was walked part-way down the aisle by King Charles and act Mr Markle called ‘incredibly kind and generous.’

Mr Markle has been in increasingly poor health in recent years.

He suffered a massive stroke in 2022 and lost his ability to speak but partially regained it thanks to speech therapy.

He moved to the Philippines in January telling Daily Mail: ‘I was constantly reminded of my estrangement from my daughter while I was in the US and Mexico. I could not escape her and Harry who were always on TV with their shows, books and interviews.

‘So I moved to the other side of the world hoping for a quieter life.’

The next two days will be ‘critical’ according to doctors treating Mr Markle, who spoke to the Daily Mail with his permission.

‘The wound is healing but the next 24 to 72 hours are critical,’ one said.

‘We need to make sure the wound heals and does not become infected. At the moment he is in stable condition and doing well. But, at his age, that could change quickly.’

As her father lies on hospital, the Duchess of Sussex has now released new behind the scenes video of her Netflix Christmas special, which came out on Wednesday

Mr Markle told the Mail on Sunday in September: ‘My only wish before I die is to meet my grandkids. I want them to know I love them and care for them.’

This week Prince Harry appeared on the US talk show The Stephen Colbert show and spoke at a conference of estate agents in Canada.

Meghan launched her Netflix Christmas special of her show ‘With Love, Meghan.’

Mr Markle’s son said the family had been ‘deeply touched’ by the outpouring of love and support for his father from around the globe, particularly from the UK.

He said: ‘Dad has a long road ahead. This was a major operation but he needed it to save his life. I would ask everyone to keep him in their thoughts. He is a brave and tough man. I would appeal to Meghan to show him compassion at this very difficult time.’

The Sussexes have not commented on Mr Markle’s health crisis.