Meghan Markle has been dealt a blow by a former friend who said they thought a reunion with Prince William and Princess Kate is off the cards. It comes as her father has suffered a number of health setbacks in recent years. Thomas Markle Snr, who is currently estranged from the Duchess of Sussex, underwent a three-hour surgery in December 2025 to have his left leg amputated below the knee after being rushed to hospital due to a blood clot cutting off circulation. He had moved to the Philippines earlier that year but has since returned to America to be fitted with a state-of-the-art prosthetic limb.

Meghan has not spoken to her father since he said he suffered two heart attacks on the eve of her wedding in 2018. However, a representative for the Duchess of Sussex said she "reached out" to her dad following his latest operation. With Thomas Snr continuing to be affected by ill-health, TV presenter Nick Ede, who is a former friend of Meghan's, has urged her to reconcile with her father "before it's too late."

Speaking to the Express US on behalf of Cafe Casino, Nick suggested Meghan's relationship with the Royal Family could improve, before imploring her to look to her own relatives.

"I think with the King and Queen, there will be a relationship, as it’s very important for them to have a relationship with their grandchildren," Nick told us.

The brand expert added, "I don’t think William and Kate will feel the same way. I think Meghan should look at her own father, too, and give an olive branch to that relationship before it’s too late."

Nick first met Meghan while organising a charity gala. The Duchess of Sussex was hired as the event's host, and he described her as "the perfect person to do the job." Nick also described his connection with Meghan as "a great friendship," which was "full of laughter and joy."

Meghan's dad has repeatedly called on his daughter to contact him, saying he wants to see her "one more time" before he dies.

Speaking to the Daily Mail after his foot amputation operation, Thomas Snr admitted, "Of course I want to speak to her but I am not sure if these are the right circumstances."

He continued, "I’ve always said I am open to reconciling with my daughter. I have never stopped loving her. I don’t want to die estranged from Meghan. I want to meet my grandkids. It might be nice to meet her husband, too."

Thomas Snr has never met Prince Harry, who Meghan married eight years ago, or his two grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.