Thomas has had a hard few years. He has not spoken to Meghan since her wedding in 2018. Meghan married Prince Harry in 2018. Thomas has never met Prince Harry or his grandchildren. The 81-year-old recently had a blood clot. It stopped blood going to his foot. He stayed four days in intensive care. After that, he spent more time in the hospital and then in rehab. He had a leg amputation earlier, which was very serious.
Family rift and health issues
Meghan reportedly did not contact him immediately after the amputation but later sent a letter. His son, Thomas Markle Jr., asked the Sussexes to reach out while Thomas was hospitalized. Thomas Markle Jr. said his father was heavily medicated and connected to machines. Thomas has faced several health issues including a stroke in 2022.
The stroke left him needing therapy to speak. He lived in Mexico for about 10 years before moving to the Philippines in January. He moved to a high-rise apartment in Cebu for privacy. His daughter Samantha once said he was stuck on the 19th floor after an earthquake, as cited by The Sun. Thomas later said he was “fine” and told people not to worry.
Wedding drama and fallout
Thomas missed Meghan’s 2018 wedding after two heart attacks. Because of this, King Charles III walked Meghan down the aisle. Thomas watched the wedding from a cheap Airbnb. Their relationship worsened after paparazzi photos of him were revealed to be staged. The photos showed him preparing for the wedding like getting fitted for a suit. Thomas later admitted he staged the photos to improve his image.
New romance brings happiness
Meghan confronted him about the photos but he denied it at first — Netflix documentary (2022). A heated phone call happened between Thomas and Prince Harry while he was in hospital. After that argument, Meghan cut contact with her father. Despite the fallout, Thomas stayed close to his other children, as noted by The Sun. Thomas Jr. now helps care for him in the Philippines.
Thomas says critics can say what they want but he is happy with Rio. He believes the new relationship has helped him move on from sadness, as stated by Daily Mail. The romance is getting attention because Rio is only two years younger than Meghan. The relationship began while he was recovering from surgery. Thomas says he is enjoying this new chapter despite family drama.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Meghan Markle’s father dating?
Thomas Markle, 81, is reportedly dating his 46-year-old Filipino nurse Rio Canedo after meeting her during surgery recovery.
Q2. Why is Thomas Markle’s new relationship making news?
The romance is trending because of the 35-year age gap and his estrangement from Meghan and Prince Harry.
