Reports indicate that Meghan has no intention of visiting her ailing father in the Philippines, even though a private jet could make the journey quite easy for her.
The Duchess of Sussex, who recently celebrated family during Netflix’s holiday special, has been facing accusations from her family about a lack of communication with Thomas Markle, from whom she has been estranged since 2018.
Additionally, it appears Markle and Prince Harry are gearing up for an extravagant New Year’s getaway with friends, while they plan to spend Christmas in Montecito, California, with their kids, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, along with Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland.
On December 3, the same day her holiday special aired, Meghan’s 81-year-old father underwent emergency surgery for a leg amputation in the Philippines, where he currently resides, due to a serious blood clot.
Meghan’s spokesperson mentioned she promptly reached out to her father, but Thomas maintains he hasn’t received any communication. He expressed a desire to reconnect, stating, “I don’t want to die estranged from Meghan. I want to see her grandchildren…”
A representative later informed Page Six that Markle had managed to send a letter to her father, though difficulties persisted in making personal contact. “Her communications are now safely in his hands,” the representative explained.
Some close to Markle speculate she might take the lengthy flight to see him, as he recuperates at the University of Cebu Medical Center.
Despite being aware of her father’s whereabouts early on, there’s skepticism about why she hasn’t called. A source suggested she might have a private jet at her disposal, as she usually avoids commercial flights.
It’s noteworthy that during a past trip to Vancouver in February 2024, Markle and Harry used a chartered plane financed by Sir Elton John, indicating they might prefer not to incur expenses themselves.
One acquaintance pointed out that Markle knew her father’s details yet did not reach out initially. Meanwhile, Thomas Markle has shared how becoming part of the media spotlight had adverse effects on him during the wedding preparations.
Initially, he faced negative press, while Meghan also has had to navigate her relationship with her father post-wedding. Their estrangement began before her marriage to Prince Harry, following a paparazzi incident.
The couple’s holiday special highlighted family relationships during a time when her father was in the hospital.
In 2019, Meghan sued a newspaper for publishing snippets of a personal letter and later indicated that the stress surrounding the situation contributed to a miscarriage.
Insiders suggest that attempts to contact her father and estranged siblings could lead to more complications rather than resolution.
Christmas for the Sussexes will be separate from the royal family, as they prepare to celebrate at home, with Harry recently reconnecting with his father, who is also dealing with health challenges.
King Charles, 77, recently shared updates on his health, mentioning he is on a path to recovery despite ongoing treatment.
Given the complexities in their family dynamics, will Meghan and Harry managed to mend relationships? “The ball is in both Prince Harry and Meghan’s court,” noted a source.
