Meghan Markle and her father, Thomas Markle, have had a very limited relationship since her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. Their connection has been strained over the years, with little communication taking place. Despite this, Thomas Markle’s health has deteriorated significantly in recent years, leading to several major medical procedures.
Royal author Hugo Vickers has shared his insights into the complex dynamics between Meghan and her father. In his latest book, Queen Elizabeth II, he explored the tension that arose after Thomas was accused of staging paparazzi photos before the royal wedding. This incident reportedly worsened the already fragile relationship between Meghan and her father. Vickers also mentioned that Harry never met his father-in-law before the wedding, which added to the discomfort on both sides.
Vickers told GB News on May 9 that it was possible Meghan kept the two men apart due to feelings of embarrassment about her father. He suggested that she might have been worried about what Thomas could say to Harry. “He was good to her when she was growing up,” Vickers said. “If you listen to what he says as opposed to how his words are reported, you will find a decent man who must feel extremely let down.”
Thomas Markle has faced numerous health challenges in recent years. In December 2025, he underwent a leg amputation, which was a significant and life-altering event for him. He had previously suffered two heart attacks in 2018, which prevented him from attending Meghan’s wedding. After the amputation, there were reports that Meghan reached out to her father through a letter. A representative for the As Ever founder stated that it had been difficult for Meghan to contact her father privately, but with the help of trusted contacts, the correspondence was eventually delivered safely.
Despite these efforts, Meghan Markle has no plans to visit her father, even as he faces serious health issues. Thomas recently moved to the Philippines for medical care, but it was reported earlier this month that he is returning to the United States. Meanwhile, Meghan and Harry left the UK in 2020 after stepping back as senior members of the royal family and settled in Montecito, California.
The distance between them has only grown, with Meghan allegedly showing no intention of visiting her father despite his declining health. A source told RadarOnline.com on May 10 that this situation marks one of the most difficult chapters in their relationship. “For many observers, this moment feels like a turning point,” the source said. “Thomas is elderly, he has undergone a serious, life-altering surgery, and yet there is still no sign of a reconciliation.”
