Meghan Markle’s dad Thomas Markle finds love in Philippines with younger nurse after stroke and surgery

Meghan Markle’s estranged father has revealed a new relationship with someone decades younger.Thomas Markle says he has turned a corner in life, with a renewed sense of happiness after years marked by illness and estrangement from his daughter.

Now living in the Philippines, the 81-year-old has struck up a romance with a local nurse he met during his recovery from major surgery.

“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,” he told the Daily Mail.

Markle relocated to the Southeast Asian country with his son in early 2025, seeking a slower pace of life after ongoing health issues, including a stroke and recent surgery that left him requiring significant care.

It was during that recovery period that he met his partner, who has since played a central role in both his day-to-day care and emotional wellbeing.

“After so many tough times I feel truly blessed to have found someone very special who takes such good care of me.”

While their relationship has drawn attention due to their age gap, Markle made clear he is unfazed by outside opinions.

“I know some people will say hurtful things but I don’t care,” he said.

“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.”

“There’s always going to be critics, but I’m finally in a place where I can ignore the noise and focus on what matters,” he added.

The move abroad marked a significant shift for Markle, who said his health struggles had left him searching for a more supportive and peaceful environment.

“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.

“The Philippines have a gentler way of life. I never expected to meet Rio and have my life changed in such a wonderful way.”

He was previously married to Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, with the pair separating when Meghan was young.

His partner has since helped manage his health, encouraging lifestyle changes and assisting as he continues to battle pneumonia.

“I’ve got pneumonia but I’m not feeling sorry for myself because I have Rio taking such good care of me,” he said.

“She makes sure I’m doing the right things every day — eating properly, resting and staying positive,” he added.

Despite occasional contact during recent health scares, Markle indicated he is no longer dwelling on his fractured relationship with the Duchess of Sussex.

“I hardly watch the news. I live in a world where people are kind to each other,” he said.

“There’s a lot of negative things going on in the world and if my story can give a little hope to one person then I’m happy.”

“I’m not looking back anymore — I just want to enjoy the time I have left and be at peace,” he said.

He added that he is focused on making the most of his later years.

“But, to be honest, I don’t give a damn. Life is for living. There’s nothing more important in life than love.”

Looking back on the past, Markle said he feels he has finally found a sense of peace.

“I was sad about Meghan for so long but now I finally feel like I can laugh again. Life is good.”