The 81-year-old has long been a divisive figure, having stepped into the global spotlight due to Meghan’s relationship—and later marriage—to Prince Harry.
A Family Rift That Never Healed
Thomas and Meghan’s relationship famously fractured in 2018, just before her royal wedding. It emerged that he had coordinated with photographers who paid him for staged photos in the lead-up to the ceremony, despite being instructed not to engage with the press.
The scandal resulted in him withdrawing from the wedding altogether, with King Charles stepping in to walk Meghan down the aisle at Windsor. Thomas also cited health concerns—he had reportedly suffered two heart attacks around that time.
Now, loved ones say he is once again facing a life-threatening health battle.
Emergency Surgery and a “Fight for His Life”
According to Thomas Markle Jr., his father became gravely ill at home last week and needed immediate medical care. On Wednesday, December 3, Thomas underwent a three-hour operation and was transferred to the intensive care unit as doctors prepared to remove a dangerous blood clot.