Thomas Markle Finds New Love and Happiness in the Philippines
Thomas Markle, the retired Hollywood lighting director and estranged father of Meghan Markle, has found a new lease on life and love in the Philippines. At 81, he describes himself as “blessed and beyond happy” after a period of significant anguish following his perceived estrangement from his daughter after her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.
“I never expected to find joy and happiness again at my age,” Mr. Markle shared. “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.”
Mr. Markle, who separated from Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, when Meghan was just five years old, met his new partner, Rio Canedo, 46, while recovering from life-threatening surgery. In December, he underwent an amputation of his left leg below the knee due to a severe blood clot. Rio, a mother of two grown children, works as a nurse and was caring for patients at the rehabilitation hospital in Cebu where Mr. Markle was recovering.
Mr. Markle and his son, Tom Jr., 59, had relocated to Cebu in January 2025, seeking a gentler pace of life away from the constant reminders of his daughter and the grandchildren he has never met – Archie, now six, and four-year-old Lilibet. The move to the Philippines followed a devastating stroke in 2022 that left him unable to speak for weeks.
Rio had no prior knowledge of Mr. Markle’s identity or his connection to the British royal family when they first met. She described him as a “total gentleman” and someone who is “kind and funny,” noting that Meghan and Harry are not a significant focus in the Philippines.
Mr. Markle, who has never met Prince Harry or his grandchildren, nearly died after the blood clot necessitated the amputation of his lower left leg. He spent considerable time in intensive care and hospital before transitioning to a specialised rehabilitation unit.
This week, Mr. Markle invited media to spend time with him and Rio, anticipating a potential backlash from online critics. However, he expressed a resolute indifference to such negativity. “I know some people will say hurtful things but I don’t care,” he stated. “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.” He believes his story can offer hope to others, emphasizing the importance of living life to the fullest and cherishing love.
A Relationship Forged Through Adversity
The estrangement between Mr. Markle and his daughter, Meghan, 44, began after he suffered two heart attacks on the eve of her May 2018 wedding. This health crisis prevented him from walking her down the aisle, a role subsequently taken by King Charles (then Prince of Wales). Mr. Markle claims he made numerous private attempts to contact Meghan before eventually speaking to the press, a decision Prince Harry alluded to in his memoir ‘Spare’ as the reason Meghan “lost” her father.
Living in Rosarito, Mexico, Mr. Markle was a considerable distance from the Montecito, California home that Meghan and Harry purchased after stepping down as senior royals. His stroke in 2022 further compounded his difficulties, leading to his decision to move to the Philippines in search of kindness and a less intrusive environment.
His recovery of speech is something he largely attributes to his constant conversations with Rio. “After my stroke, things were not great,” he explained. “I wanted to go to the other side of the world to a place where the people are kind. The Philippines have a gentler way of life. I never expected to meet Rio and have my life changed in such a wonderful way.”
A Bond of Care and Affection
Observing Mr. Markle and Rio together in their room at the rehabilitation centre in Cebu, their deep bond is evident. Rio is consistently attentive, fussing over Mr. Markle, and their interactions are filled with affection, laughter, and playful teasing. He visibly beams when she holds his hand.
Rio maintains a strict no-sugar diet for Mr. Markle, who has consequently lost a significant amount of weight. She also encourages him to drink more water and playfully confiscates any chocolate he receives, promising to ration it as a daily treat.
Despite currently battling pneumonia, Mr. Markle remains optimistic. “I finally feel safe and well-cared for,” he said. “I’ve got pneumonia but I’m not feeling sorry for myself because I have Rio taking such good care of me.” He prefers to focus on the kindness he experiences daily from the nurses and doctors in the Philippines, contrasting it with the material wealth often prioritised in the West. He speaks of the young trainee nurses, affectionately nicknamed “munchkins,” and their infectious laughter, which has helped him rediscover his own capacity for joy.
While two of his three Emmy awards are displayed in his room, there are no photographs of Meghan. He acknowledges his past, recalling a time when his walls were adorned with family pictures, but asserts, “Sometimes you have to move on. I have moved on.”
He maintains regular contact with his eldest daughter, Samantha, who lives in Florida and suffers from MS, making visits to the Philippines impossible. His son, Tom Jr., resides nearby and visits weekly. Both of his children from his first marriage to Roslyn Loveless approve of his relationship with Rio.
Rio, who refers to Mr. Markle affectionately as “Sir Tom,” admits she was initially concerned about his reputation for being grumpy, based on what she had heard. However, her experience has been overwhelmingly positive. “He is a total gentleman and someone who is kind and funny,” she stated. She is reluctant to delve deeply into their romance but confirms, “I care deeply for him.”
Rio, a divorcee, has a son nearing high school graduation and a daughter studying pharmacy at college.
Looking Towards the Future
Mr. Markle is unconcerned about potential criticism of his late-life relationship. “I’ve been through tough times which makes me appreciate the good times,” he reflected. “I finally at peace. I was in pain for so many years about what happened with my youngest daughter Meghan.” He finds solace in the quiet life he now leads in the Philippines, away from the constant media scrutiny he endured previously.
He expresses gratitude for his health, for Rio, and for the care he is receiving. He loves the Philippines and is embracing his current chapter. “I don’t care what people think any more,” he declared. “I’m an old man and never thought I would be alive at nearly 82.”
He describes his relationship with Rio as something that “happened naturally” and that he “treasures.” She brings him happiness and provides excellent care, and he hopes to reciprocate those feelings.
Once he is well enough, Mr. Markle hopes to take Rio on holiday to America. He is undergoing physiotherapy and aqua therapy and is anticipating being fitted with a prosthetic limb later in the year. He would love to revisit Hollywood, where he worked on popular shows like General Hospital and Married With Children, and show Rio the places of his former career.
However, he dismisses any notion of driving to Montecito. “No, I would never do that. What’s the point?” he said with a laugh. He admits he “would love to see my grandkids” and draws a parallel between his situation and that of King Charles, who he notes also has limited access to his grandchildren. “It makes me sad that King Charles has only met Archie and Lilibet once or twice. How strange it is that me, over here in my little world, and him, the King of England, are both in the same boat. We both can’t see our grandkids.”
He reaffirms his love for Meghan as his daughter but prioritises his remaining time to be spent in happiness, which Rio provides. Regarding marriage, Mr. Markle stated, “I would marry Rio if it was beneficial to her. But it’s not something we’ve discussed. For now, we are just enjoying life.” He wakes each morning grateful to feel safe and cared for, with Rio being the source of his profound happiness.
