Thomas Markle Safe After Philippines Earthquake, Denies Daughter's Claims
Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan Markle, has confirmed he is safe and sound following a powerful earthquake in the Philippines. This comes after his other daughter, Samantha Markle, claimed on social media that he was trapped in his apartment building, raising concerns about his well-being.
Samantha Markle's Initial Claims
On Tuesday, Samantha Markle took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that her father, Thomas Markle Sr., was "stuck on the 19th floor of a building in the Philippines after a massive earthquake," adding that he "can't walk and he is trapped." She also used the post to criticize her half-sister, the Duchess of Sussex. The post immediately sparked widespread concern and speculation.
"My father is stuck on the 19th floor of a building in the Philippines after a massive earthquake and he can't walk and he is trapped." - Samantha Markle (via X)
Thomas Markle Sr. Sets the Record Straight
Hours after Samantha's initial post, Thomas Markle Sr. refuted these claims in a statement to TMZ. He clarified that he is "safe in my hotel room" and "in no way am I 'trapped' or 'unable to walk.'" He further explained that "The epicenter was 100 miles from here," indicating that his location was not directly impacted by the earthquake.
According to Thomas, he relocated to the Philippines earlier this year seeking a "quieter life" and a fresh start. He moved from Rosarito, Mexico, hoping for "peace, affordable living, and kindness." He is currently looking at places to live in the Philippines.
Earthquake Details and Impact
The 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the province of Cebu in the Philippines on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. According to reports, it left at least 69 people dead and caused significant damage to buildings, roads, and infrastructure. The earthquake was the strongest to hit the country in over a decade. Rescue efforts are underway to find survivors in affected areas.
Estranged Relationships and Family Drama
Meghan Markle's relationship with both her father and half-sister, Samantha Markle, has been strained for years. The bond between Meghan and Thomas Sr. began to deteriorate prior to her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. Samantha Markle has also been publicly critical of the Duchess of Sussex for several years. Thomas Markle Sr. has not met his son-in-law, Prince Harry, or his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
Updates Following the Incident
While Samantha Markle later updated her social media, saying her father was "OK" and making plans to leave the building, Thomas Markle's direct confirmation provided further reassurance. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and complex family dynamics within the Markle family, played out against the backdrop of a natural disaster.
| Person | Relationship to Meghan Markle | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Markle Sr. | Father | Safe, not trapped |
| Samantha Markle | Half-sister | Posted initial claims, later updated |
