Thomas Markle and Meghan’s half-brother tried fresh start in Philippines after years of furious bust-ups
Thomas Markle and his son, Thomas Markle Jnr, moved to the Philippines in January 2025 hoping to make a fresh start after years of conflict. They are now estranged again amid allegations that Markle Jnr took money from his father, which he denies; the dispute matters because Markle Jnr had become his father’s main carer after a serious stroke.
Markle Jnr’s sister Samantha says their father had repeatedly helped him financially, including paying for a truck and buying him a flower shop, but grew disillusioned with his behaviour. She says Markle Jnr failed to take their father to hospital when he complained of leg pain, before a blood clot led to the amputation of his leg. Markle Jnr says he gave up years to care for his father and alleges that he was verbally abused and financially controlled.
In short
- Father and son moved to the Philippines for a fresh start in January 2025.
- They are now feuding over money and allegations of mistreatment.
- The dispute follows Thomas Markle’s stroke and leg amputation.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Samantha’s account supports the view that Thomas Markle had reason to feel let down: she says he repeatedly helped his son financially, and that the son failed to get him medical care when he complained of leg pain before a blood clot led to amputation. If the allegations of taking money are substantiated, they could deepen concerns about trust, especially given the father’s dependence on his son as a carer.
The case against
Markle Jnr says he devoted years to caring for his father and was subjected to verbal abuse and financial control, which could help explain the breakdown in their relationship and complicate claims that he simply exploited his father’s support. He denies taking money, and his account deserves consideration alongside his sister’s allegations, particularly because he had taken on a demanding caring role after his father’s stroke.
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