Trapped and Tragedy: Thomas Markle's Ordeal in Philippine Earthquake
Meghan Markle's Estranged Father Trapped in Philippines After Devastating Earthquake
In a shocking turn of events, Meghan Markle's estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., has found himself in yet another predicament after being trapped on the 19th floor of a high-rise building in the Philippines following a massive earthquake. The 81-year-old's worrying situation has been revealed by his daughter Samantha, who took to social media to express her concerns for her father's well-being.
Thomas, a former Hollywood lighting director, had moved to the island of Cebu with his son Thomas Jr., just seven months ago in an attempt to start anew. The pair had settled into a relatively luxurious apartment on the main island, which they had rented at a staggering £500-a-month, despite the average wage in the country being a mere £7,000 per year.
However, their tranquil existence was disrupted on Tuesday evening when a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the densely populated province of Cebu, leaving widespread devastation and chaos in its wake. At least 69 people have been confirmed dead, with many more still trapped under the rubble as rescuers scramble to reach them.
Samantha, who has long been at odds with her half-sister Meghan over their family dynamics, made the announcement about Thomas's situation on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating that he was "stuck" on the 19th floor of a building and unable to walk. She claimed that her father had become trapped due to the earthquake, leaving him in a precarious position.
In an intriguing twist, Samantha went on to criticize Meghan for her role in Thomas's current predicament, suggesting that she was somehow responsible for putting her father "in this position." The 60-year-old has been known for her erratic behavior and long-standing feud with the Duchess of Sussex, which began when Meghan and Prince Harry announced their engagement in 2018.
Thomas had admitted to collaborating with photographers to stage pictures of himself before the wedding ceremony, a move that caused widespread media coverage and embarrassment. He was subsequently banned from attending the high-profile nuptials at Windsor Castle, where he would have walked his daughter down the aisle. Meghan has since spoken publicly about feeling betrayed by her father's actions, stating in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that she felt "hurt" and "betrayed" by his decision to speak out against her.
The news of Thomas's current situation comes as a stark reminder of the complicated family dynamics at play here. It appears that despite their attempts to put their differences aside, Meghan's estrangement from her father has had far-reaching consequences.
In recent months, Thomas had been living with his son Thomas Jr., 58, who is reportedly supporting him through this difficult time. The pair was spotted together in May, with Thomas using a walking stick to navigate the uneven roads and paths in the blistering heat.
As news of the earthquake spread, the military deployed army and air force personnel to aid in the relief efforts. Local authorities are working tirelessly to restore electricity and communication lines while rescuers continue to sift through the rubble for survivors.
The Philippines has been plagued by a series of natural disasters in recent years, including last week's devastating monsoon that claimed over a dozen lives. The country is still reeling from the aftermath of this latest earthquake, which has left thousands without power or access to basic necessities.
Thomas Markle Sr.'s situation remains uncertain as he tries to make his way out of the building. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
In a bizarre twist, Samantha made her X account private just hours after making the announcement about her father's predicament, leaving many wondering what exactly she was trying to hide. It remains unclear whether Thomas was in his own apartment at the time of the earthquake or if he had been visiting another building on the main island.
As the family drama unfolds, one thing is certain – Meghan Markle's estranged father will not be meeting her husband Prince Harry or their grandchildren anytime soon.
