Thomas Markle, the estranged father of the Duchess of Sussex, has issued a three-word update on his health. The 81-year-old, who is recovering in hospital in the Philippines after having his leg amputated, said he had “much to celebrate” this Christmas.

Mr Markle is beginning to learn how to walk again and waiting to be fitted with a prosthetic leg, according to reports. His left leg was amputated below the knee earlier this month following a blood clot which cut off circulation to his foot, it is believed. Mr Markle has thanked people “from around the world” who have wished him well as he shared details on his recovery.

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Meghan’s spokesperson confirmed she contacted her father via a letter after his surgery (Image: Getty)

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Mr Markle said: “I’m doing physiotherapy every day and have managed to sit on the side of the bed and even stood on my one remaining leg with the help of a nurse and a walking frame. That was a wonderful Christmas present.

“There is a long way to go but I am so grateful to the wonderful doctors and nurses who are taking such good care of me.”

Mr Markle has reportedly moved to a rehabilitation unit at a hospital in Cebu as he continues to recuperate.

He is said to have moved to the city with Meghan’s half-brother, Tom Jr, earlier this year.

According to the Mail on Sunday, Tom Jr. celebrated Christmas with his father at his bedside.

He told the newspaper Mr Markle is doing “remarkably well” and in “good spirits”, adding he is “determined to walk again with the aid of a prosthetic leg”.

Meghan’s spokesperson confirmed the Duchess reached out to Mr Markle via a letter following his surgery.

Mr Markle pulled out of attending Harry and Meghan’s wedding seven years ago after he was caught staging photographs for the paparazzi in the US, and then suffered a heart attack.

Harry’s father, now the King, stepped in to walk Meghan down the aisle.

Mr Markle went on to repeatedly speak to the media and later claimed he had been “shunned” by Meghan.