Meghan Markle’s dad Thomas, 81, opens up about finding life-changing love with 46-yr-old nurse

MONTECITO, CALIFORNIA: Although Meghan Markle’s 81-year-old estranged father, Thomas Markle, is currently battling residual health issues, he feels “blessed and beyond happy” as his love life with a nurse 35 years his junior blossoms.

Thomas expressed his surprise and gratitude for finding “joy” at this age. “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,” Thomas told The Daily Mail.

Thomas Markle opens up about his love life

“After so many tough times I feel truly blessed to have found someone very special who takes such good care of me," Thomas told Daily Mail. 

Thomas met his 46-year-old girlfriend in the Philippines during his recovery from leg amputation surgery. Thomas and Rio Canedo met in Cebu, Philippines. Canedo works in Cebu, while Thomas moved there in January with his 59-year-old son, Tom Jr.

Talking about the significant age difference between the couple, Thomas acknowledged that “some people will say hurtful things,” but he doesn’t care about that.

“I want to talk about this because I never thought I would ever be happy again. I want people to know you’re never too old to find peace and love.”

Thomas said, “haters will hate,” adding that he would be happy if his love story gives hope of a second chance to anyone when “there’s a lot of negative things going on in the world.”

“But, to be honest, I don’t give a damn. Life is for living. There’s nothing more important in life than love.”

Thomas Markle moved to Philippines in search of kind people

“After my stroke things were not great. I wanted to go to the other side of the world to a place where the people are kind,” Thomas said about his move.

“The Philippines have a gentler way of life. I never expected to meet Rio and have my life changed in such a wonderful way.

“I finally feel safe and well-cared for.”

Thomas’s health deteriorated after he underwent emergency surgery, and he was admitted to the intensive care unit in December. He was taken to the hospital after falling ill at home, his son said.

Thomas Markle says he’s moved past strained relationship with Meghan

Meghan Markle reached out to her father after his emergency leg amputation despite their strained relationship. However, Thomas said he has moved on from his previous life and enjoys living in the Philippines, “where people respect elders.’’

“I was sad about Meghan for so long but now I finally feel like I can laugh again. Life is good.”

“I hardly watch the news. I live in a world where people are kind to each other. The nurses and doctors here in the Philippines are wonderful. People here don’t have all the worldly goods we have in the West but they respect and care for older people.”