Meghan and Harry 'have not reached out to Thomas Markle' as Duchess of Sussex's father fights for his life

His son Thomas Jr confirmed that the three-hour operation took place on Wednesday evening after circulation was cut off to the limb.

The retired lighting director, who experienced a medical emergency at his home on Tuesday, was initially taken to a local hospital before being transferred by ambulance to a larger facility where surgeons performed the critical procedure.

According to Thomas Jr, medical staff presented the amputation as the only option available, describing it as a matter of survival.

Thomas Jr provided a harrowing account of how swiftly his father's condition deteriorated.

"My dad is being very brave. His foot turned blue and then black. It happened very quickly," he said. After taking his father to hospital, scans and ultrasound examinations revealed the severity of the situation.

"There was no option. I was told the leg had to be removed and it was a case of life or death," Thomas Jr explained.

Medical professionals were concerned about the risk of sepsis or gangrene developing, as the tissue had already begun to die and turn black. "It was either 'we have to operate now and remove the leg or he may die," he added.

Doctors treating Mr Markle have indicated that the coming days will be crucial to his recovery.

One doctor stated: "The wound is healing but the next 24 to 72 hours are critical. We need to make sure the wound heals and does not become infected. At the moment he is in stable condition and doing well. But, at his age, that could change quickly."

The father-of-three is not yet out of danger, as he requires an additional surgical procedure to address another blood clot that has formed in his left thigh.

Thomas Jr confirmed that physicians had stressed the importance of the immediate post-operative period, noting that preventing infection remains the primary concern.

He also made an emotional appeal for reconciliation, urging the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to contact their father during this critical time.

"I would implore Meghan and Harry to reach out to Dad," he said. "My only wish is that Meghan shows my father some compassion. He is literally fighting for his life."

Mr Markle has been estranged from his daughter since her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.

Despite having two grandchildren, six-year-old Archie and four-year-old Lilibet, Mr Markle has never had the opportunity to meet either of them.

GB News has reached out to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for comment.