Thomas Markle, father of Meghan, is dating a nurse 35 years his junior. The Duchess of Sussex’s estranged dad is living in Cebu, a town in the Philippines.
The 81-year-old has faced a number of health issues over the years. Last year, he lost his lower left leg to a blood clot. This was after suffering two heart attacks in 2018 prior to his daughter marrying Prince Harry, along with a stroke in 2022.
Thomas Markle feels “truly blessed” in his new relationship
Despite his health challenges, Thomas told the Daily Mail he’s “blessed and beyond happy” with his current relationship. “I never expected to find joy and happiness again at my age. I felt neglected and sad for so many years but now I am enjoying life again. After so many tough times I feel truly blessed to have found someone very special who takes such good care of me.”
Thomas met his new girlfriend, Rio Canedo, in the Philippines during his leg amputation recovery. “I know some people will say hurtful things but I don’t care,” he said in the interview, which the Daily Mail released on Saturday, March 28. “I want to talk about this because I never thought I would ever be happy again. I want people to know you’re never too old to find peace and love.”
Meghan’s dad struggled following his stroke. “After my stroke things were not great. I wanted to go to the other side of the world to a place where the people are kind,” he said in the interview. “The Philippines have a gentler way of life. I never expected to meet Rio and have my life changed in such a wonderful way. I finally feel safe and well-cared for.”
Rio has Thomas on a no sugar diet, which resulted in weight loss. She also has prompted him to up his water intake. “I’ve got pneumonia but I’m not feeling sorry for myself because I have Rio taking such good care of me,” Thomas said. “Life is for living. There’s nothing more important in life than love.”
TELL US – IS THE AGE GAP BETWEEN THOMAS AND RIO TOO BIG?
