Thomas Markle has been transferred out of intensive care into a standard hospital ward following the amputation of his left leg below the knee last Wednesday.
The 81-year-old father of Meghan Markle underwent the procedure in Cebu, Philippines, where he relocated in January this year.
His surgeon, Dr Neil Sanico, speaking with Mr Markle’s consent, confirmed the operation had gone well.
“The surgery was a success, and the wound is healing well,” Dr Sanico told the Mail.
Thomas Markle moved out of intensive care after leg amputation as Meghan tries to contact him
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GB NEWS / GETTY
“Mr Markle is making good progress. He has a long road to recovery ahead of him, but moving out of the ICU and into a regular room is a positive step.”
The three-hour operation reportedly became necessary after a substantial blood clot blocked circulation to Mr Markle’s limb entirely.
Dr Sanico explained that removing the clot first was deemed too dangerous, given the risk of infection spreading throughout his body.
“There was no option but amputation,” the surgeon stated. “The clot was so large we could not risk removing it first and then having the infection from the foot spread around his body and cause sepsis. There was a danger of gangrene setting in.”
Meghan Markle has reached out to Thomas Markle, who had lifesaving surgery in the Philippines
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GETTYThe medical team acted swiftly to prevent potentially fatal complications from developing.
Dr Sanico praised his patient’s resilience throughout the ordeal.
“He is a strong and brave man,” the surgeon remarked, noting his satisfaction with how Mr Markle came through the procedure and his positive outlook since.
Mr Markle has already begun gentle physiotherapy sessions and intends to be fitted with a prosthetic limb once his wound has fully healed.
King Charles walked Meghan Markle up the aisle after her father missed the 2018 wedding
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PA
“I am determined to walk again,” he said. “I sometimes get a weird feeling that my leg is still there.” Doctors have explained that this phantom limb sensation is common among amputees.
He expressed deep gratitude to the Filipino medical team. “The wonderful Filipino doctors and nurses saved my life,” Mr Markle said.
Mr Markle’s relationship with the Duchess of Sussex broke down after he staged photographs with paparazzi before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.
He subsequently suffered two heart attacks and was unable to attend the ceremony at St George’s Chapel.
Mr Markle has never encountered the Duke of Sussex or his grandchildren, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.
A spokesman for the Sussexes told GB News that Meghan emailed her father on Friday, though the message was sent to an address he reportedly no longer uses.
Mr Markle, who also suffered a stroke in 2022, issued an emotional appeal: “I hope that this might help tear down the walls between us and bring our family back together. It’s time to set aside the past and make our family whole again.”
GB News understands that the Duchess of Sussex has personally called several hospitals in the Philippines to try and locate her father, though she has not been successful.