Meghan Markle's father has turned to crowdfunding to cover his medical expenses following a leg amputation, with his American health insurance failing to provide coverage for treatment abroad.
Thomas Markle Sr, 81, underwent a three-hour emergency operation described as "life or death" after falling ill at his residence in the Philippines, where he relocated earlier this year from Mexico.
The former Hollywood lighting director's GoFundMe page, established by a friend of his son Thomas Jr, has accumulated just over $4,500 (approximately £3,362) from supporters.
His Medicare and Medicaid coverage from the United States does not extend to his current location on the island of Cebu, leaving the family to shoulder all costs themselves.
Meghan Markle’s father turns to crowdfunding after leg amputation abroad
|GB NEWS
Thomas Jr, 59, claimed he has been covering the mounting bills himself, adding that he has depleted his savings to fund the treatment.
"The one person who has the means to actually help and make a difference...no, nope, nothing," he told the Mirror, referencing his sister’s reported earnings from media deals.
Despite this, Meghan's spokesman confirmed that the Duchess of Sussex wrote a private letter to her father following his surgery, but the contents of the letter remain unknown.
Mr Markle Jr divulged the extent of his current financial burden, describing how he recently had to pay $3,000 (£2,256) at the hospital while also signing a promissory note for an additional $2,000 (£1,500).
Meghan Markle’s father turns to crowdfunding after leg amputation abroad
|GO FUND ME
"Last weekend was like a $15,000 (£11,000) weekend that just completely wrecked me," he told the publication.
The 59-year-old also condemned those responsible for creating a fabricated image using artificial intelligence that depicted Prince Harry at his father's hospital bedside.
"It's all AI. It's all horse crap. Whoever put that out, man, how do you sleep at night? It made me puke," he said, calling the fake photograph "disgusting" and "gross".
He acknowledged that supporters continue to contribute to the fundraising effort, noting that "every little bit helps" as donations gradually accumulate.
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Thomas Markle Jnr has spoken publicly on the health struggles Thomas Markle is suffering with | GB NEWSMr Markle Sr has endured significant health challenges in recent years, suffering two heart attacks and a stroke before his latest medical emergency.
He was originally due to accompany Meghan down the aisle at her Windsor Castle wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018, but withdrew on medical advice following his cardiac episodes.
The decision came amid controversy over staged paparazzi photographs taken before the ceremony, and he has never met his son-in-law or grandchildren Archie, six, and Lilibet, four.
Mr Markle Jr now serves as his father's full-time carer, supported by his 28-year-old Filipino girlfriend, Rose.
The pair had been residing in a £500-per-month tower block before relocating to more affordable accommodation shortly before the pensioner's health deteriorated.