Meghan Markle's 'Family-Oriented Brand' At Risk Amid Strained Ties With Her Ailing Father, Experts Warn

Meghan Markle's estrangement from her father, Thomas Markle, sparks criticism that her family-focused image contrasts with her distance from the octogenarian, especially after his leg amputation.

Experts claim her family-focused image clashes with their ongoing estrangement, while Thomas, now in intensive care in the Philippines, fears dying without reconciliation.

Meghan Markle reportedly tried to contact her father during his health crisis; however, strained trust, past alleged betrayals, and ongoing public attention have made private communication difficult.

Meghan's strained relationship with her father has returned to public conversation, with royal commentators questioning the contrast between her family-friendly public image and her continued distance from him.

Kinsey Schofield, host of "Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered," told Fox News Digital that Meghan has spent much of 2025 emphasizing a picture-perfect, "family-oriented brand."

But, she argued, the lack of contact with her father, especially after his recent amputation, complicates that message.

"It would be in her best interest to show her elderly father, who had just lost a limb, some compassion. Otherwise, every time we see Meghan and Harry lovingly engage with wounded vets at Invictus, we will ask ourselves why they couldn't show Meghan's father the same compassion," Schofield said.

Schofield added that Meghan's new holiday special, centered around themes of family and togetherness, only intensifies these questions. She suggested that, at the very least, "Thomas should be allowed to meet his grandchildren."

Thomas, a former Hollywood lighting director now recovering in a Philippines hospital following emergency surgery after the amputation of his left leg, told the Daily Mail that he fears dying without reconciling with his daughter.

A spokesperson for the duchess confirmed that she was eventually able to send a letter to him, but stated that reaching him privately had been challenging due to the presence of a reporter for the news outlet at his bedside, "broadcasting each interaction and breaching clear ethical boundaries."

According to the rep, "trusted contacts" ultimately ensured her message reached him safely.

Meanwhile, a royal expert, Hilary Fordwich, told Fox News Digital that Thomas' continued interviews likely stem from both emotional pain and financial need.

"Thomas's decision to speak out could be a result of his hurt feelings, as he's repeatedly expressed being lonely and missing both his daughter and meeting his grandchildren," she said. "He wanted to meet Harry. He probably needs the money."

She added that regardless of what Thomas has done, "he is still her father," noting that "he raised her as best he could with clear devotion. Even a private, brief meeting would have been helpful."

Royal expert Fordwich explained that the estrangement between Meghan and her father stems not only from the staged paparazzi photos before the royal wedding but from what the duchess perceives as repeated betrayals.

These acts include Thomas allegedly leaking "parts of her private letter to a tabloid" and him subsequently giving several interviews criticizing her.

"This isn't just about her father's betrayal," Fordwich explained. "This is also about her sense of betrayal. The biggest irony is that while Meghan and Harry don't trust him, that's precisely how the royals view them."

Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., gave a detailed breakdown of his father's leg amputation on December 3 in the Philippines after a blood clot in his thigh cut off circulation.

He described the surgery as "life or death," saying their father's foot had turned "black and blue" before doctors intervened.

The 81-year-old reportedly had his left leg removed below the knee during a three-hour procedure and is now in intensive care.

Thomas Jr. explained that the decline happened rapidly, saying he rushed his father to a local hospital, where scans confirmed the limb could not be saved.

"My dad is being very brave," he told the Daily Mail. "His foot turned blue, then black. It happened very quickly. I took him to a local hospital, and they did some scans and an ultrasound and said the leg had to be amputated. There was no option. I was told the leg had to be removed, and it was a case of life or death."

In an emotional remark aimed at his half-sister, Thomas Jr. said, "My only wish is that Meghan shows my father some compassion. He is literally fighting for his life."