Meghan Markle’s estranged father is “making plans” to escape after being trapped in a building in the Philippines, according to his daughter, Samantha.
The 60-year-old took to social media on Tuesday to announce that Thomas Markle, 81, was “stuck on the 19th floor of a building in the Philippines after a massive earthquake”.
At the time, Samantha continued to tell her X followers that “he can’t walk and he is trapped”.
The powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck the Eastern Visayas region in the Philippines on Tuesday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Thomas Markle update: Meghan’s estranged father ‘making plans’ to escape after being trapped
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PA / ITV
It is not known why Thomas was in the Philippines, as his main residence is Rosarito, Mexico, a coastal town just south of Tijuana in Baja California – the opposite side of the Pacific Ocean.
However, his son, Thomas Markle Jr, is understood to live in the country with his partner.
On Wednesday, Samantha took to X with an update about her father, 24 hours after the earthquake struck.
She said: “I wish to extend our deep gratitude to everyone expressing concern about my father. Thank you.
“As of today he is OK , and making plans to get out out of that building.
“They seem to be safe for now, and hopefully there will be no serious aftershocks.
“Provisions are being made so that he won’t be trapped in a similar situation again. God bless and stay safe everyone!”
Meghan and her father became estranged in the lead-up to her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.
Before the wedding, Thomas admitted he had collaborated with photographers to stage pictures of himself being fitted for a suit and reading about his daughter’s marriage.
The story caused widespread media coverage and embarrassment.
In interviews, including her 2021 Oprah Winfrey conversation, she said she felt betrayed by his decision to speak to the press and share private communications.
Meanwhile, Samantha is Meghan’s older half-sister from their father Thomas’s first marriage. According to the Duchess, they did not grow up together and have not had a close relationship.
In May 2022, Thomas suffered a major stroke that left him hospitalised and unable to attend Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, where he had been expected.
Reports at the time said the stroke left him with limited speech.
Thomas has also had heart problems and is reported to have ongoing health issues that affect his mobility.
In photos and video interviews after his stroke, he has appeared seated, but he can walk short distances with assistance.