EXCLUSIVE: Meghan Markle 'Slaps Impossible Reunion Rules on Sick Father' That 'Will Effectively Kill Any Reconciliation'
Meghan Markle is said to have sent her ailing father a letter after he was rushed to the hospital.
Dec. 18 2025, Published 7:30 p.m. ET
Meghan Markle has slapped "impossibly strict" conditions on any meeting with her stricken father, Thomas Markle, after he was rushed to the hospital in the Philippines, which sources tell RadarOnline.com have been "deliberately engineered" on her part to prevent any chance of a face-to-face reconciliation.
The estrangement between Meghan, 44, and her former lighting director dad, 81, has lasted since 2018, when she married Prince Harry, now 41, and followed revelations Thomas had staged paparazzi photographs in the lead-up to the wedding.
Meghan Markle's 'Sent Letter' to Ailing Father
Meghan Markle is said to have imposed strict conditions on any potential meeting with her estranged father, Thomas.
Thomas was hospitalized earlier this month and underwent a leg amputation after suffering a serious blood clot.
In interviews, he expressed regret over the distance with his daughter and said he wanted to meet Meghan's children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, as well as Harry – all of whom he has never seen in person.
Despite the hospitalization prompting initial contact, with Meghan reportedly having a letter delivered to her frail dad, sources tell us there is "no intention" on the side of the Duchess to ever meet him again.
An insider claimed: "It's very sad when a daughter can't just call or visit her dad," – before quipping, "Reaching out by letter must be some comfort to him while he is in hospital."
The source added the geographic distance between the pair and ongoing family dynamics make a face-to-face meeting unlikely.
' What Meghan Wants, Meghan Gets'
She sent Thomas Markle a letter after his hospitalization in the Philippines.
They claimed: "Meghan is saying if there is to be a reunion with her dad, he will have to travel to her – something of a practical impossibility now he is 81 and has only one leg.
"She has also said she will need written reassurances and a promise he will never talk about it, which is also a huge ask of any parent, and an insult. These two conditions mean she is very unlikely to ever meet her dad again – which, sadly, is what she wants. Her conditions are just an excuse engineered so it never happens."
The insider added Meghan's husband will be "behind her 100 percent" whatever she chooses to do in regard to her sick dad.
"Harry will back his wife in whatever decisions she makes regarding her father," the source explained. "It would be wonderful if Thomas could see his grandchildren – and his son-in-law – before it's too late, and rebuild a connection with the daughter he cares for deeply, and Harry knows this. But it is a case of 'What Meghan wants, Meghan gets' in this and most other cases in their marriage."
Meghan Markle is said to require written assurances and privacy guarantees before any reunion with her dad.
Thomas has faced numerous health setbacks over the past several years, including two heart attacks and a stroke requiring speech therapy.
Following his surgery, Thomas Junior, Markle's half-brother, publicly urged his sister to show compassion and reach out to her father.
A source close to the family stressed Thomas Sr's conditions – effectively requiring Thomas to submit to her terms before any meeting – are designed to prevent a spontaneous reunion.
"Meghan's conditions, which require her father to fully submit to her terms, are likely to end any possibility of reconciliation," they added. "It appears intentional – she is setting them, knowing it will prevent a meeting."
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Family members have urged Meghan Markle to show compassion after her father’s surgery.
A family therapist consulted by Radar said Meghan may be experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions despite appearing cold-hearted when it comes to her dad.
They explained: "When adult children are estranged from their parents, it is emotionally painful and often stems from boundary issues or past disappointments. Adult children may feel concern for their parents while also needing to safeguard themselves, creating a mix of grief and ambivalence.
"This situation highlights the complex interplay of public scrutiny, family loyalty, and personal boundaries, and it is very likely Meghan is prioritizing self-protection while navigating the delicate health crisis of her estranged father, instead of working towards some kind of headline-grabbing reunion moment with him."
