Their relationship deteriorated after Thomas admitted to staging paparazzi photos and, according to Meghan, was not honest with her about his dealings with the press.

She addressed the rift during her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, saying, “I’ve lost my father.”

Despite their estrangement, PEOPLE confirmed on Dec. 10 that Meghan sent a letter to Thomas following his emergency surgery, after days of conflicting reports regarding her ability to contact him.