Meghan Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle, was caught in the chaos of a deadly earthquake in the Philippines but is now safe. His daughter, Samantha Markle, revealed on X on Tuesday, September 30, that the 81-year-old was trapped on the 19th floor of a high-rise building and unable to leave after the powerful quake struck.
Getty“My father is stuck on the 19th floor of a building in the Philippines after a massive earthquake,” Samantha wrote. “He can’t walk and he is trapped.”
According to NBC News, the 6.9-magnitude earthquake killed at least 60 people and left many others pinned under debris as rescue teams worked through the night.
Family Initially Assures He Is Safe
Hours later, Samantha reassured followers that her father was no longer in danger. “As of today he is OK, and making plans to get out of that building,” she wrote on Wednesday, October 1. “They seem to be safe for now, and hopefully there will be no serious aftershocks.”
She added that arrangements were being made to prevent him from being caught in a similar situation again.
She also added, “I wish to extend our deep gratitude to everyone expressing concern about my father. Thank you. As of today he is OK, and making plans to get out of that building,” Samantha wrote via X on Wednesday, October 1. “They seem to be safe for now, and hopefully there will be no serious aftershocks.”
She added, “Provisions are being made so that he won’t be trapped in a similar situation again. God bless and stay safe everyone!”
UPDATE: Thomas Markle Denies Being ‘Trapped’
However, Thomas later told TMZ that reports of him being trapped were untrue. “I’m currently sitting on the couch in my hotel room, with my feet kicked up and watching Charlie Chan movies. I’m quite comfortable,” he said, explaining that he was staying at a hotel about 100 miles from the earthquake’s epicenter.
Thomas added that he had traveled to the Philippines to explore relocating from Mexico and was safe throughout the incident.
Estrangement From Meghan Continues
Thomas remains estranged from Meghan, 44, who has not publicly addressed his situation. Their strained relationship dates back to her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, which Thomas did not attend after claiming health issues.
In their Netflix docuseries “Harry & Meghan,” Meghan revealed how trust with her father broke down in the days leading up to the ceremony. Harry later admitted he was “incredibly sad” that his wife no longer had contact with her father.
For now, Thomas insists he is safe in the Philippines as recovery efforts continue following the powerful quake.
