Why Is Meghan Markle Estranged From Her Father? Household Rift, Defined
Meghan Markle’s estranged relationship with her father, Thomas Markle, has been thrust back into the spotlight after the 81-year-old underwent emergency surgery this month to amputate his left leg below the knee following a blood clot that cut off circulation. The former Hollywood lighting director was rushed to intensive care in the Philippines, where he now faces another procedure to remove a blood clot in his thigh. According to son Thomas Jr., doctors remain “extremely concerned” for his father’s welfare, though he is currently in stable condition.
The health scare comes as Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, reportedly remain out of contact with Thomas. Meghan has never reconciled with her father or her half-siblings Samantha and Thomas Jr., who have publicly criticized both her and the royal family over the years. Thomas Jr., who lives next door to his dad, pleaded for Meghan to reach out: “I would implore Meghan and Harry to reach out to Dad.”
Thomas Sr.’s health has been fragile for years, including two heart attacks on the eve of Meghan’s wedding and a life-threatening stroke. He moved to the Philippines in January 2025 seeking “peace” after decades of family drama. “At 80, it is time to go somewhere where the people are lovely and I can enjoy a quieter, friendlier existence,” he said. “Mostly, I just want peace… none of the awful drama of recent years.”
The Markle family drama goes back decades. Before Meghan and Harry even exchanged vows, Samantha and Thomas Jr. were vocal critics. Samantha praised Meghan in 2016, saying, “She’s got the eloquence of a Condoleezza Rice, and the grace of Princess Diana,” but quickly became a relentless critic after Meghan’s engagement. She accused Meghan of abandoning their father and even called her “Cruella Deville” and “witchy poo” on Twitter.
Thomas Jr. also made his opinions clear, warning Prince Harry in a May 2018 letter not to marry Meghan: “It became very clear that this is the biggest mistake in royal wedding history.” He later questioned why the royal family welcomed outsiders like the Middletons but not Meghan’s own extended family.
Meanwhile, Thomas Sr. became entangled in scandal when paparazzi photos he staged in 2018 were revealed, leading him to decide not to walk Meghan down the aisle. Despite the drama, Meghan and Harry tried to stay above it all, asking for “understanding and respect to be extended to Mr. Markle in this difficult situation.”