Meghan Markle’s dad “struggles” in Cebu despite premium living

The monthly rent for his apartment in Cebu is PHP36,000.

Meghan Markle’s dad, Thomas Markle Sr., experiences environmental struggles as he relocates to Cebu with his son.
PHOTO/S: Facebook / Screen grab from Daily Mirror

Thomas Markle Sr., father of Meghan Markle—the Duchess of Sussex—is reportedly adjusting to a new life in Cebu, Philippines, where he has relocated with son Thomas Markle Jr..

Daily Mirror reports on May 11, 2025, that the former Hollywood lighting director is in the thick of recuperating from multiple health setbacks in recent years, including two heart attacks and a stroke.

Now 80, he is said to be using a walking stick to get around uneven roads and sidewalks in the area.

Thomas Markle Sr.’s life in Cebu

While the PHP36,000-a-month high-rise apartment Thomas Sr. shares with his son is considered modest by British standards, the property is regarded as relatively upscale locally.

In the same report, Daily Mirror describes the apartment as sitting along a busy seven-lane road in Cebu.

It cites the densely occupied island province to have a population of over three million, and some 900,000 residents existing below the poverty line.

The report also states that the Markles had previously stayed in a hotel before moving into the rental unit—bringing along boxes of belongings, supposedly including photo albums that feature Meghan.

Sources close to the family say that, at the moment, Thomas Sr.’s struggles are more environmental in nature, as opposed to financial.

Cebu’s heat and humidity have posed a challenge to his recovery, with recorded highs of 33°C this week, and humidity levels nearing 90 percent.

The British national daily tabloid adds that their move to Cebu comes after nearly a decade of residence in Rosarito, Mexico.

Speaking earlier this year, Thomas Sr. said he is seeking “peace” and a gentler environment in his later years.

Thomas Sr. explained, as quoted in the report: “I travelled in that part of the world [South East Asia] when I was a younger man. The people are so kind and welcoming, and they are respectful to older people. It is a place of culture and beauty.

“At 80, it is time to go somewhere where the people are lovely and I can enjoy a quieter, friendlier existence.

“In South East Asia the medical care is good, you can live reasonably cheaply, the people are kind and respect older people and the food is healthy.

“Mostly I just want peace. At 80, none of us know how long we have left. I want whatever time I have to be peaceful with none of the awful drama of recent years.”

As he seeks for peace, there is little to suggest that the regional Emmy award-winner has reconciled with Megan and Prince Harry’s family.

His recent public appearance outside a supermarket near his apartment in the Queen City of the South, a day after his grandson Archie turned six, suggests he has yet to meet either of his daughter’s kids—Archie and Lilibet.

Meghan Markle’s dad, Thomas Markle Sr., spotted outside a supermarket in Cebu. 
Photo/s: Screengrab from Daily Mirror

Contrast to Meghan and Harry’s Life in California

While Thomas Sr. settles into a PHP36,000-a-month apartment in Cebu, Meghan and Prince Harry live in a USD14.7-million (~PHP820 million) estate in Santa Barbara, California.

The couple relocated to the United States in 2020 after stepping back from their royal roles, in what would be known as “the royal exit.”

In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry revealed that they relied on his inheritance from Princess Diana to finance their departure from royal life.

He shared that their royal stipend had been cut off during the first quarter of 2020, and that without the funds left by his mother, “we would not have been able to do this.”

According to MarieClaire.com, Diana left GBP10 million—currently around PHP735.9 million—in trust to her sons. Harry gained access to it on his 30th birthday in 2014.

When he turned 40 on September 15, 2024, the New York Post reported that Prince Harry was set to receive USD8.5 million (~PHP474 million) as his share from the USD90 million (~PHP5.02 billion) trust fund set aside by his late great-grandmother—the Queen Mother—Queen Elizabeth.