Meghan Markle's family dynamics shift as Thomas Markle finds love again

Meghan Markle’s estranged father Thomas Markle has opened up on his new girlfriend in surprising move.

The 81-year-old revealed that he has found love again with Rio Canedo, a 46-year-old Filipina nurse.

Thomas said he met Rio while recovering from his leg amputation surgery in the Philippines, where he now resides.

Amid his complicated relationship with Meghan, Thomas credits Rio, who is 35 years his junior, for bringing him "peace and happiness."

Speaking of his new romance, Thomas said, "I never expected to find joy and happiness again at my age.”

"I felt neglected and sad for so many years, but now I am enjoying life again. After so many tough times, I feel truly blessed to have found someone very special who takes such good care of me,” he added, per Radar Online. 

Thomas recently underwent a major surgery in the Philippines after doctors were forced to amputate his leg below the knee due to a severe infection caused by blood circulation problems.

Following the operation, he made an emotional appeal to his daughter, asking for reconciliation and expressing hope that they could reconnect despite years of estrangement. 

However, Meghan only sent a letter to him and did not come to meet him following his major surgery.