Meghan Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle, revealed he unexpectedly found love with a much-younger nurse while recovering from life-threatening surgery.
Thomas, 81, shared that he’s dating Rio Canedo, 46, a mom of two grown children, in an interview with the Daily Mail published on Saturday, March 28.
“I never expected to find joy and happiness again at my age,” he gushed about his budding romance. “I felt neglected and sad for so many years, but now I am enjoying life again.”
“After so many tough times, I feel truly blessed to have found someone very special who takes such good care of me,” Thomas added.
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The couple first crossed paths in December 2025 after Thomas checked into the Philippines-based rehab hospital where Canedo works. (Thomas and his son, Tom Jr., 59, moved to the city of Cebu in January 2025 after relocating from Mexico.)
Thomas was forced to have the lower half of his left leg amputated last fall due to a blood clot. Tom Jr. previously shed light on what his father was experiencing, telling the Daily Mail that doctors were worried about sepsis or gangrene because his “flesh was black and dying.”
He spent four days in intensive care and continued to be hospitalized for weeks before being relocated to a specialized unit in another medical center, where he formed a bond with Canedo.
“After my stroke, things were not great,” Thomas said in the new interview, referring to his health battle in 2022 and how it led him to travel. “I wanted to go to the other side of the world to a place where the people are kind. The Philippines has a gentler way of life. I never expected to meet Rio and have my life changed in such a wonderful way.”
Canedo, for her part, said she knew nothing about Thomas’ royal connection when they met.
Inside Meghan Markle’s Relationship With Estranged Father Thomas Markle Sr.
“He waved at me,” she fondly recalled. “I was a bit worried because someone had told me he had a reputation for being grumpy. But I started working with him, and he is a total gentleman and someone who is kind and funny.”
Although Meghan, 44, and Thomas have been estranged since 2018, the Duchess of Sussex did try to contact him after hearing about his leg amputation, her spokesperson previously confirmed.
These days, Thomas said he’s in a much better place in his life. “I was in pain for so many years about what happened with my youngest daughter, Meghan,” he told the outlet. “Over here I lead a quiet life. I am grateful for my health, for Rio and for the care I am receiving.”
As for his naysayers, he added, “I don’t care what people think anymore.”
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