Why Did Thomas Markle Have His Leg Amputated? What We Know About The Life-Saving Operation
Estrangement between a child and a parent isn't unusual. According to NPR, around one-quarter of adults maintain zero contact with their moms or dads. Even celebrities sometimes decide to cut the cord, like Meghan Markle did with her father, Thomas Markle.
In 2018, the dad and daughter went through a contentious and public split. Years later, in 2025, Meghan finally contacted her father (age 81) after he underwent leg amputation surgery, as confirmed by her spokesperson (via People). Whether or not the surgery thaws their relationship permanently, Thomas' treatment is a story unto itself, because the emergency procedure may have saved his life.
According to Thomas' son, Thomas Markle, Jr., the decision to amputate was based on the condition of Thomas' lower leg after he lost blood flow to the area, causing his left foot to eventually turn black. Explained Thomas Jr., "His left leg has been removed below the knee. They were worried about infection setting in — sepsis or gangrene" (via Daily Mail).
Gangrene is a condition that can lead to death. Flesh turning brown or black is a hallmark symptom of gangrene, along with fevers, regional body swelling, and changes in the way the skin feels. (This is one reason to pay attention to warning signs from your feet you shouldn't ignore.)
An emergency medical decision in a serious situation
Amputation is just one gangrene treatment, and it's only used when necessary. Some patients who have limited areas of gangrene respond well to other therapies, such as taking antibiotics, having dead tissue removed, or exposing the affected area to pressurized oxygen. But it would seem that Thomas Markle's case was serious enough to warrant the removal of most of his left leg.
(Is phantom limb syndrome real? Read on.)
Markle's doctor hasn't released a statement about what lies ahead for his patient. However, Thomas Markle Jr. has said that his dad will undergo another surgery to address an existing blood clot in the area above the amputation.
According to a 2023 study in Cureus, 30-day mortality rates among people who have a lower limb amputated range from around 7% to 17%. The study noted that diabetes, heart disease, and other factors can negatively influence life expectancy. Thomas Markle reportedly had two heart attacks around the time of his estrangement from his daughter.