In a recent interview, Meghan Markle's estranged father, Thomas Markle revealed that he is dating his nurse, 35 years his junior, after meeting her following a health scare in December 2025.
Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle's estranged father, is currently hogging the limelight for all things personal. For those unaware, Thomas Markle is an 81-year-old retired Hollywood lighting director. According to reports, he is in a new relationship with a woman who is 35 years his junior. He is essentially showing that love can be found at any age, no matter the circumstances. He was previously married to Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, however, the duo split up when Meghan was just 5 years old.
Thomas Markle, in a recent interview with The Daily Mail, opened up about how he feels "blessed and beyond happy" to have found joy in his life once again, especially after going through years of anguish post his daughter, Meghan Markle, allegedly ‘dumped’ him after her wedding to Prince Harry back in 2018. Opening up about his new relationship, the 81-year-old revealed that he first met the 46-year-old nurse, Rio Canedo, when he was admitted to the hospital in the Philippines. Reportedly, this was after Thomas had suffered a blood clot back in December 2025. In fact, he was even required to undergo emergency surgery and eventually had his left leg amputated below the knee. Recalling the time Thomas said:
"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. The Philippines have a gentler way of life. I never expected to meet Rio and have my life changed in such a wonderful way."
Thomas revealed that now that he is dating Rio, she takes really good care of him and makes him feel safe, even at his age. Well, if a report by Page Six is to be believed, Rio works in the town of Cebu, the same town where Thomas and his 59-year-old son, Tom Jr. moved to in January 2025. It is worth noting that, like Thomas, Rio is also a parent to two children: a 16-year-old son about to graduate high school and a 22-year-old daughter who is a college student.
According to Rio, she initially had no idea who Thomas was when she met him in mid-December last year, in 2025. What she did hear, however, was that Thomas had a reputation for being “grumpy,” although, after getting to know him, she found him to be a “gentleman.” She added, “Mr. Markle is a kind man. All the nurses and staff love him. He's funny.” As per the Daily Mail, during the interview, Thomas and Rio appeared openly affectionate toward each other. Rio, although a bit reluctant to discuss their romance, did admit that she cares deeply for Thomas. While the pair seem happy together, this does not mean Thomas is unaware that some people might view the relationship negatively. He said:
“I don’t care what people think any more. I’m an old man and never thought I would be alive at nearly 82. What happened with Rio happened naturally. We got close, and she ended up moving in with me. It’s a relationship I treasure. She makes me very happy and takes very good care of me. I hope I make her happy, too.”
In December 2025, Thomas was reportedly rushed to intensive care at a hospital in the Philippines. Here, Thomas underwent a three-hour-long surgery. His son, Thomas Jr. revealed to Daily Mail that at the time, when doctors initially did various scans, they said that his father's life was in imminent danger.
After receiving the news of his hospitalisation, according to reports, Thomas' estranged daughter, Meghan Markle, reached out to him. A spokesperson for the Duchess of Sussex said at the time, “I can confirm she has reached out to her father.” Although Thomas initially denied it, a spokesperson later revealed that a letter written by Meghan was now “safely” in her father's hands.
What are your thoughts on Meghan Markle's estranged father, Thomas Markle's relationship with a nurse, 35 years his junior? Let us know.
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