The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan, has made an attempt to contact her estranged father, Thomas Markle, following news that he is reportedly hospitalized with a serious illness in the Philippines. A spokesperson for the Duchess confirmed the move, stating, "I can confirm she has reached out to her father." Reports circulating in the media indicate that Mr. Markle recently underwent surgery that resulted in the amputation of his leg. The BBC understands that the Duchess’s attempt to establish contact took place earlier today, though it remains unconfirmed whether this effort to communicate with her father was successful, reports The WP Time with reference to the BBC.
The relationship between Meghan and Thomas Markle has been severely strained since the period leading up to her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018. During the couple's engagement, Mr. Markle became the subject of intense media scrutiny. It was later discovered that he had cooperated with photographers who compensated him for staging photos that appeared to show him preparing for the royal wedding. The ensuing scandal prompted Mr. Markle to withdraw from his role in the wedding ceremony at Windsor Castle just days before the event, citing health issues. Consequently, King Charles III, who was at that time the Prince of Wales, walked Meghan down the aisle in his stead.
It is unclear whether the Duchess of Sussex has been able to establish any substantial relationship with her father since her marriage. Mr. Markle is not believed to have met his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Furthermore, Mr. Markle has publicly expressed strong criticism regarding his daughter and son-in-law's decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the Royal Family in the United Kingdom and their subsequent public critique of the monarchy. In one media interview, he notably commented: "I think they're both turning into lost souls at this point," adding, "I don't know what they're looking for. I don't think they know what they're looking for." The recent news of his health crisis now brings the status of their complex, long-distance relationship back into public focus.
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