Meghan Markle’s dad reportedly in relationship with Filipino nurse

Thomas Markle, the 81-year-old estranged father of Meghan Markle, is reportedly dating Rio Canedo, a 46-year-old Filipino nurse he met while recovering from emergency leg amputation surgery in Cebu, Philippines. According to reports from December 2025, Markle underwent emergency surgery to amputate his left leg below the knee on December 3, 2025, after a blood clot in his thigh cut off circulation to his leg, described as a "life or death" situation when his foot turned "black and blue." Markle had relocated to the Philippines in January 2025 with his son Tom Jr., seeking a quieter life away from media attention and his estrangement from his daughter.

Markle met Canedo, a mother of two grown children, while recovering at a rehabilitation center in Cebu. Canedo initially had no idea who Thomas was or about his royal connections, reportedly stating that "here in the Philippines, Meghan and Harry are not a big deal." She described Markle as "a total gentleman - someone who is kind and funny" despite hearing he had a reputation for being grumpy. The relationship developed naturally, with Canedo eventually moving in with Markle to help with his recovery and daily care.

Following the emergency surgery, Meghan Markle reportedly reached out to her estranged father, with a spokesperson confirming to People magazine that the Duchess of Sussex contacted him. Thomas Markle expressed his desire for reconciliation, stating: "I don't want to die estranged from Meghan. I want to meet my grandkids." He has been estranged from Meghan since before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, which he missed due to heart attacks, and has never met his grandchildren Archie or Lilibet.

Markle has described the relationship with Canedo as life-changing, crediting her with improving his physical health and emotional wellness during his recovery. He stated: "After so many tough times I feel truly blessed to have found someone very special who takes such good care of me." Canedo reportedly keeps him on a strict no-sugar diet and encourages healthy habits. When asked about marriage prospects, Markle said he would marry Rio "if it was beneficial to her," adding that they are "just enjoying life" and that he feels "safe and cared for." The move to the Philippines has reportedly brought him "a gentler way of life" and renewed happiness after years of health struggles and family estrangement.