Thomas Markle's Journey: Prosthetic Leg & Family Reunion

0:00On May 2nd, Thomas Markle, the 81-year-old father of Megan, the Duchess of Sussex, just flew back to the United States from the Philippines. He's chasing a high-tech prosthetic leg after doctors amputated his left leg below the knee last December due to a dangerous blood clot. Markle had relocated to Saboo last year to dodge the family drama, but now he's prioritizing better medical care and being near loved ones. Earlier this year, that clot nearly killed him by cutting off blood to his foot, but Filipino doctors pulled him through. He can't stop praising their kindness, saying it saved his life. The move home means top-notch rehab option stateside, putting him way closer to Megan and her crew after years of distance. The big riff kicked off around Megan's 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, when Markle claimed heart attacks sidelineed him from walking, her down the aisle. Megan called it a publicity stunt. He's never met his grandkids, six-year-old Archie, and four-year-old Lillibet, and a ways heavy on him.

1:02Just weeks back, Markle found romance with Rio Canado, a 46-year-old Filipino nurse who helped him drop weight and rebuild his drive. Post surgery. She saw him off at the airport with tears, and they planned to stay tied via FaceTime, maybe even visit soon, next up for him an electric wheelchair than that prosthetic. His older daughter Samantha, Megan's half-sister, calls this a positive turning point, full of spiritual growth amid the trauma. Markle still says he loves Megan forever, and dreams of hugging those grandkids one day.