Meghan Markle’s father returns to the US after leg amputation: ‘New chapter in life’

Thomas Markle is back in the US after undergoing a leg amputation and will reportedly continue medical care surrounded by friends and family

eghan Markle’s father, Thomas Markle, has returned to the US after having part of his leg amputated in the Philippines in December.

The news was announced by his eldest daughter, Samantha Markle, who shared on X on Sunday: “Dad is back safely! So happy! Great new chapter in life!”

According to reports by The Mirror, Thomas, 81, has moved back to be fitted with a prosthetic limb, which aims to help him walk again after his left leg below the knee was removed during emergency surgery at the end of last year.

Speaking to The Mirror, Meghan’s half-sister Samantha said: “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.”

What happened to Thomas Markle?

In December, Thomas suffered a life-threatening blood clot that cut off circulation to his foot. After being rushed to hospital, the former lighting director underwent a three-hour operation that involved the amputation of his left leg below the knee.

His son, Thomas Jr, told the Daily Mail: “I took dad to a hospital close to our home and they did various scans and the doctors said his life was in imminent danger.”

He continued: “My dad is being very brave. His foot turned blue then black. It happened very quickly. I took him to a local hospital and they did some scans and an ultrasound and said the leg had to be amputated.”

Thomas markle jr. speaking© Getty Images
Thomas Jr. shared an update on his father’s condition

While Meghan is estranged from her father, a spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex said at the time: “I can confirm she has reached out to her father.”

While Thomas denied this at the time, Meghan was later confirmed to have made contact, with a spokesperson saying that a letter written by Meghan was “safely” in her father’s hands.

Media Image© PA Images via Getty Images

What did Thomas Markle say about his surgery?

After undergoing surgery, Thomas paid tribute to the healthcare professionals who helped him. “I would not be alive today were it not for the care I received from the wonderful doctors and nurses in the Philippines. They saved my life,” he said.

It was also during this time that Thomas struck up a romance with Rio Canedo, a Filipina nurse 35 years his junior, whom he met while staying in a rehab unit.

Speaking to the Mail about his relationship in March, Thomas said: “I never expected to find joy and happiness again at my age. I felt neglected and sad for so many years but now I am enjoying life again. After so many tough times I feel truly blessed to have found someone very special who takes such good care of me.”