Meghan Markle makes ‘progress’ toward speaking to Thomas Markle with contact ‘expected in 24 hours’

However, they added that “it’s hoped and expected that there will be some form of communication in the next 24 hours.”

The remark indicates that efforts are actively underway to establish a line of contact, though no message has yet been exchanged.

Thomas Markle, 81, remains in hospital in the Philippines after undergoing surgery last week to amputate his left leg below the knee.

The operation was carried out after a significant blood clot blocked circulation to the limb, leaving doctors concerned about the possibility of widespread infection and the risk of sepsis.

His surgeon, Dr Neil Sanico, confirmed that the three-hour procedure had been successful.

Mr Markle has since moved out of intensive care into a standard hospital ward and begun gentle physiotherapy as part of the early stages of his recovery.

The situation has intensified public interest in the long-running estrangement between Mr Markle and the duchess.

Their relationship broke down shortly before Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, after Mr Markle staged photographs with the paparazzi and then withdrew from attending the ceremony due to health complications.

They have had limited communication since, and Mr Markle has never met his son-in-law or his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

A spokesman for the Sussexes told GB News that Meghan had emailed her father on Friday.

However, Mr Markle and staff at the Cebu hospital have said they have not received any contact from her and that she no longer has an active email address for him.

Those close to the duchess maintain that attempts were made, but the details used were outdated.

The new information obtained by the People's Channel indicates that efforts are now being made behind the scenes to close that gap and establish the correct route for communication.

The phrase “there’s been progress” suggests that channels are being opened that were not available in recent days, though the source emphasised that no direct contact has been made.

In a video earlier this week, Mr Markle issued a public appeal for reconciliation. He said he hoped his medical emergency might “help tear down the walls between us and bring our family back together.” He added that he wished to make his family “whole again.”

The developments come at a sensitive time for both sides. Mr Markle is expected to remain in hospital until his wound has healed sufficiently for a prosthetic limb to be fitted.

Meanwhile, the duchess, whose spokesman confirmed she had attempted to reach her father, appears to have been working behind the scenes to establish direct contact.