Thomas Markle Returns to US After Leg Amputation

Thomas Markle, the 81-year-old father of the Duchess of Sussex, returned to the United States from the Philippines on Saturday to pursue advanced medical care following the amputation of his left leg below the knee.

The retired Hollywood lighting director underwent emergency surgery in December after a blood clot in his thigh cut off circulation to his foot, a condition that nearly proved fatal. He had relocated to Cebu last year seeking a quieter life away from reminders of his family. Markle praised the Philippine medical team that saved his life, stating, "I would not be alive today were it not for the care I received from the wonderful doctors and nurses in the Philippines. They saved my life."

His half-sister Samantha Markle confirmed the move, saying, "Dad made the decision to come back to the US for ongoing medical care. He will be able to get the best prosthetics here and be surrounded by friends and family to support him. Even though he has been through such traumatic times, this has been a positive spiritual experience for dad." Markle now plans to obtain an electric wheelchair and a state-of-the-art prosthetic limb to regain mobility, according to reports.