Meghan Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle, said he was “blessed and couldn’t be happier” after dating a much younger nurse.
“I never thought I would find joy and happiness again at this age,” Thomas said in an interview with the Daily Mail published on Saturday. “I felt ignored and sad for many years, but now I am enjoying life again.”
“After going through so many difficult times, I feel so blessed to have found this special person who cares so much about me.”
The 81-year-old was introduced to his new girlfriend, Rio Canedo, 46, while recovering from a leg amputation in the Philippines.
Canedo works in Cebu town, where Thomas and his son Tom Jr., 59, moved in January 2025.
While acknowledging the significant age difference, Thomas said of his romance, “I think some people will say hurtful things, but I don’t care.”
“I want to talk about this because I never thought I’d be happy again. I want people to know that you’re never too old to find peace and love.”
“There are so many negative things happening in the world. If my story can give even a little bit of hope to one person, I’d be happy,” he continued, adding, “The haters are going to hate it.”
“But to be honest, I don’t care. Life is meant to be lived. There is nothing more important in life than love.”
In early December, it was revealed that Thomas Sr. had been admitted to the intensive care unit after undergoing emergency surgery.
At the time, her son told news outlets that he felt unwell at home and was rushed to the hospital.
“After the stroke, things weren’t very good. I wanted to go to the other side of the world, where the people were kinder,” Thomas told the Daily Mail about the move.
“The Philippines has a more peaceful way of life. I never expected that my life would change so much after meeting Rio.”
“I finally feel safe and can receive adequate care.”
Kanedo has been caring for Thomas on a strict carbohydrate-restricted diet, which has shown some results, as the newspaper noted that Thomas has lost weight. She also encourages Meghan’s estranged father, who is currently battling pneumonia, to drink more water.
“I have pneumonia, but Rio takes great care of me, so I don’t feel sorry for myself,” Thomas said.
As previously reported, the Duchess of Sussex reached out to her father, who had recently had health issues, despite their long-distance relationship. However, Thomas told the Daily Mail that he has gotten over his strained relationship with his famous daughter.
“I hardly watch the news. I live in a world where people are kind to each other. The nurses and doctors here in the Philippines are wonderful. People here don’t have all the worldly goods that we have in the West, but they respect and care for their elders.”
“We have young apprentice nurses here called ‘Munchkins,’ and all we hear all day is laughter,” he continued.
“I’ve been sad for Meghan for a long time, but now I finally feel like I can smile again. Life is good.”
A representative for Meghan did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
