Thomas Markle Sr., the 81-year-old father of the Duchess of Sussex, is confronting a devastating new blow just weeks after undergoing emergency amputation of his left leg: his health insurance will not cover the extensive post-operative and long-term care he now requires, leaving the family facing crippling out-of-pocket medical expenses.
The shocking revelation was made public by Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., 59, who has emerged as his father’s primary caregiver since the estranged royal family member stepped away from contact years ago.
Speaking in a raw and emotional YouTube video update, Tom Jr. explained the dire situation:
“So we got kind of really screwed on insurance here… nothing that he had, that he thought was going to cover him, is going to cover him here. So everything’s out of pocket, and it’s going to be a day-by-day thing. We’re going to figure this out and get him whatever we need to get him.”
He continued, visibly shaken:
“Dad’s going to be okay, but it’s going to be a whole different world than what he’s used to. This is a big, big serious deal, and it’s going to take a lot of extensive care. This just got bumped up to a whole different level.”
The three-hour “life-or-death” surgery took place in late November 2025 after severe infection and circulation issues left doctors with no alternative but to amputate the leg above the knee.
Sources close to the family say Thomas Sr. is now adjusting to life as an amputee while battling ongoing pain, mobility challenges, and the high risk of further complications common in elderly patients.
A Caregiving Crisis on a “Skimpy Little Budget”
Thomas Markle Jr., who lives near his father in Rosarito, Mexico, has been candid about the financial strain of caring for an 81-year-old amputee places on the family.
In earlier videos he described trying to manage on what he called “a f***ing skimpy little budget,” and confirmed that every dollar earned from his modest YouTube channel will now be redirected to his father’s medical and living expenses.
“Now my channel and everything that I make off of it which isn’t that much is going to take care of my father,” he told viewers, effectively turning his small online platform into a de-facto fundraising lifeline.
The costs ahead are staggering: prosthetic limbs (often $10,000–$50,000+), in-home nursing or rehabilitation, physical therapy, mobility equipment, home modifications, and ongoing medication could easily run into hundreds of thousands of dollars over the coming years especially without insurance backing.
Reports of Meghan Reaching Out After Surgery
The health crisis briefly raised hopes of reconciliation when multiple outlets reported that Meghan, 44, had “reached out” to her father following the amputation.
However, neither the Duchess’s team nor Thomas Markle Sr. has publicly confirmed the nature or extent of any contact, and royal watchers note there has been no visible financial or logistical support announced from the Sussex camp.
The Duchess has been estranged from her father since before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, following a series of paparazzi photo scandals and public disagreements that played out in the media.
A Fragile Recovery and an Uncertain Future
Despite the setbacks, Thomas Markle Sr. is reported to be in stable condition and determined to regain as much independence as possible.
Friends say the retired Hollywood lighting director remains sharp-minded and grateful to be alive, though the sudden loss of his leg and looming financial pressure have taken an emotional toll.
For Thomas Jr., the road ahead is one of relentless advocacy, daily caregiving, and crowdfunding appeals as he tries to give his father the dignified recovery he deserves.
As one thing is clear: at 81 and newly disabled, Thomas Markle Sr.’s fight is far from over, and the family’s plea for help has only just begun.
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