Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle's father, has found love again with a Filipino nurse named Rio Canedo who is 35 years younger than him, according to multiple reports. Thomas Markle is 81 years old, while Rio Canedo is 46 years old. This development follows Thomas Markle undergoing life-threatening surgery to amputate his left leg below the knee in December 2024. Thomas Markle met Rio Canedo in mid-December 2024 while recovering at a rehabilitation hospital in Cebu, Philippines, where she works, according to Aftonbladet.
Thomas Markle became estranged from Meghan Markle after suffering two heart attacks on the eve of her May 2018 wedding and being unable to walk her down the aisle. Meghan Markle entered her wedding alone and was escorted part-way down the aisle by King Charles, then Prince of Wales, with her mother Doria Ragland being the only family member present. Thomas Markle split with Meghan Markle's mother Doria Ragland when Meghan was five years old, which contributed to the family's complex dynamics.
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 Markle and his son Tom Jr. moved to Cebu, Philippines, in January 2025, according to major media. Thomas Markle spent four days in intensive care and weeks in hospital after his amputation before moving to a rehabilitation unit, where he continues his recovery.
Thomas Markle has never met his son-in-law Prince Harry or his grandchildren Archie and Lilibet. Thomas Markle claims he made repeated private attempts to contact Meghan Markle before going public, but these efforts were unsuccessful. In his memoir 'Spare', Prince Harry claimed Meghan Markle 'lost' her father after Thomas Markle started speaking to the press, highlighting the rift's public nature.
After so many tough times I feel truly blessed to have found someone very special who takes such good care of me.
Rio Canedo had no idea who Thomas Markle was when they first met, according to major media. Thomas Markle expects backlash from the 'Sussex Squad', online trolls who support Meghan and Harry, as he navigates this new chapter in his life.
I know some people will say hurtful things but I don't care. 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. There's a lot of negative things going on in the world and if my story can give a little hope to one person then I'm happy. The haters will hate but, to be honest, I don't give a damn. Life is for living. There's nothing more important in life than love.
I still don't know why she ghosted me.