Meghan Markle’s father returns to US in bid to walk again after finding love in the Philippines

The 81-year-old moved to Asia in January 2025Meghan Markle’s father has returned to the United States in a bid to walk again after finding love in the Philippines, it has been claimed.

Thomas Markle, 81, had his leg amputated below the knee in December in a “life or death” situation after a blood clot cut off circulation in his leg, turning his foot black.

The emergency surgery came just months after he moved to the Philippines because he was “constantly reminded” of his daughter and in search of a “quieter life”.

He has been estranged from Meghan since just before her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.

He has maintained that two heart attacks on the eve of the royal wedding prevented him from attending the ceremony and walking Meghan down the aisle, though the Duchess reportedly suggested he was motivated by a desire for media attention.

The rift has meant the 81-year-old has never been introduced to his son-in-law.

More poignantly, he remains a stranger to his grandchildren, Archie, now six, and four-year-old Lilibet.

But, Mr Markle is now said to have returned home as he aims to be fitted with an advanced prosthetic limb that could enable him to walk once more and to move closer to his family.

Meghan Markle’s father has returned to the United States in a bid to walk again after finding love in the Philippines, it has been claimed

 | GB NEWS

“The next stage is to get an electric wheelchair and then a prosthetic leg,” he said.

His eldest daughter, Samantha, revealed last night: “Dad made the decision to come back to the US for ongoing medical care.

“He will be able to get the best prosthetics here and be surrounded by friends and family to support him.

“Even though he has been through such traumatic times, this has been a positive spiritual experience for dad.”

Thomas Markle has never been introduced to his son-in-law, Prince Harry, nor his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet

 | GB NEWS / GETTY

The former Hollywood lighting director has spoken fondly of his time in Asia, where he received the life-saving operation to remove his left leg below the knee.

“‘I would not be alive today were it not for the care I received from the wonderful doctors and nurses in the Philippines,” he said.

“They saved my life.”

His gratitude for the doctors in the Philippines has extended so far, in fact, that merely two weeks ago, he revealed he had started a romantic relationship with nurse Rio Canedo.

Ms Canedo, a 46-year-old divorced mother of two, went with Mr Markle to the airport and wished him well on his way.

According to the Mail, the pair intend to stay in touch via FaceTime, and Ms Canedo hopes to visit him in the States soon.