Thomas Markle Struggles in £500-a-Month Flat in the Philippines, as He Cares for His Health in Isolation
Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of the Duchess of Sussex, is currently living in a modest £500-a-month high-rise flat on the bustling island of Cebu, Philippines. At 80 years old, Thomas is being looked after by his half-brother, Thomas Jnr, as he faces serious health challenges.
More than 7,000 miles away from his daughter Meghan, 43, Prince Harry, 40, and his grandchildren Archie and Lilibet, Thomas now calls the densely populated island home. Exclusive photos reveal the former Hollywood lighting director sitting alone in the sweltering heat outside a local supermarket, just a day after missing his grandson Archie’s sixth birthday.
Having suffered two heart attacks and a stroke in recent years, Thomas’s health is further strained by the unforgiving tropical climate. Temperatures this week soared to 33°C with humidity levels nearing 90%, a difficult environment even for those much younger. With the aid of a walking stick, Thomas is seen navigating Cebu’s uneven roads and heavy traffic, further complicating his daily life.
A source close to the situation shared: “There are only two types of weather in Cebu: hot and humid, or hot and humid with rain. It’s tough even for people half his age, so it’s heartbreaking to see him struggling.” The source added, “Although Thomas and his son have only recently moved into their flat, they’re adjusting to life in Cebu together, supporting each other through the transition.”
Before settling into the flat, Thomas and Thomas Jnr, 58, had stayed at a three-star hotel in Cebu. The move marks a significant change for Thomas Sr., who spent the last decade living in a beachside bungalow in Rosarito, Mexico, just a short distance from the Sussexes’ Californian estate.
The new flat, located on a busy seven-lane road, may not boast luxury, but it’s considered impressive in a country where the average annual wage is just £7,000. While Cebu’s population exceeds three million, nearly 900,000 residents live below the poverty line, making life here a far cry from the opulence enjoyed by Meghan and Harry in Montecito.
In stark contrast to Thomas’s new environment, Meghan celebrated her son Archie’s birthday with a heartfelt social media post. Meanwhile, Thomas Sr. continues to navigate his new life far from the family he once knew.
