Duchess reportedly cuts off direct contact amid long-running family rift
Meghan Markle has reportedly taken a decisive step while her estranged father, Thomas Markle, recovers in hospital following major surgery.
According to reports, the Duchess of Sussex has further limited contact by deleting her father’s phone number and choosing not to visit him as he recuperates in the Philippines. The move comes after years of strained relations between the pair.
The Sunday Times reports that Meghan has avoided speaking to her father directly since their fallout in 2018, largely out of concern that private conversations could end up in the media. Instead, she previously sent him a personal letter addressing her feelings about his repeated interviews and expressing hope it would remain private.
An insider described the letter as warm and heartfelt but also carefully written, suggesting Meghan felt the need to protect herself. The source said she wanted some form of connection, but past experiences had made her wary.
Another source added that while there is still affection, the situation has been emotionally difficult for Meghan, marked by a mix of care and caution.
Thomas Markle Jr. has since confirmed that his father underwent an amputation after doctors determined surgery was necessary due to a serious medical condition. Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said the decision was unavoidable and praised his father’s resilience during recovery.
Meghan Markle and Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020, and her relationship with her father has remained distant ever since.
