Meghan Markle father’s health adds strain to their complicated relationship

Meghan Markle’s relationship with her estranged father, Thomas Markle, which has been strained for years, has become even more difficult following his recent health crisis, an expert has claimed.

According to his son Thomas Markle Jr., the 81-year-old underwent leg amputation surgery after a series of serious medical issues.

Speaking on Meghan and her father’s estranged bond, family counselling expert Dr Jane Halsall told The Mirror that such relationships between adult children and parents are often painful and complicated especially when a parent becomes seriously ill.

She said adults in these situations struggle to balance protecting themselves with caring for their parent, which can bring both grief and mixed emotions.

Halsall said, "Estrangement between adult children and parents is emotionally painful, often arising from boundary violations or disappointment."

"Depending on the dynamics, adult children may worry for their parent, while needing to protect themselves, which leads to them experiencing both grief and ambivalence,” she continued.

"Public statements against their wishes, as in this case, can intensify this tension. Healing relies on respecting boundaries, careful communication, and therapeutic support.

“If there is estrangement within a family, then it takes time to heal and resilience—the effort to balance love, concern, and self-protection while maintaining psychological well-being for yourself."