Overview
- Thomas Markle, 81, had his left leg amputated below the knee in an emergency operation in Cebu after a blood clot stopped circulation, with doctors warning of infection risks.
- A spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex confirmed to People that Meghan "has reached out" to her estranged father following news of his surgery.
- Her team later said she emailed him at 11:53 a.m. Pacific Time on Dec. 5 and sought verified hospital contact details from reporters, saying no bounce-back was received.
- Thomas and hospital staff say they have not received any call or message from Meghan, and his daughter Samantha publicly challenged the claim of contact.
- From his hospital bed, Thomas pleaded to see Meghan and to meet his grandchildren, saying he does not want to die estranged.