Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle’s estranged father, has reassured everyone that he is safe after fears he had been trapped on the 19th floor of his apartment block in the Philippines during a devastating earthquake. The 81-year-old confirmed that he was fine, telling people not to worry and thanking everyone for their concern.
Panic spread after Meghan’s half-sister, Samantha Markle, posted on social media that Thomas could not leave his flat following the 6.9 magnitude quake, which struck Tuesday night and left at least 69 people dead, with widespread damage to homes, churches, bridges, and roads.
Samantha claimed her father was “stuck” and unable to walk, later suggesting Meghan was somehow to blame for his circumstances. She eventually made her account private but later updated that he was “OK” and planning to leave the building.
TMZ then spoke with Thomas directly, who clarified that he was safe in his hotel room, was not trapped, and that the quake’s epicenter was about 100 miles away.
Thomas had moved to the Philippines earlier this year with his son, seeking a quieter life after years of health struggles and family rifts. He previously lived in Rosarito, Mexico, but said he wanted peace, affordable living, and kindness in his later years. Despite once being close to Meghan, their relationship collapsed before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, and Thomas has never met his son-in-law or his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
