Meghan Markle, who first captured hearts as Rachel Zane on Suits in 2011, came from modest beginnings. Her father, Thomas Markle, worked behind the scenes in television, lighting the way—literally—for others' success. As Markle’s life turned toward royalty through her marriage to Prince Harry, the distance from her roots grew. Meanwhile, her father, once her guiding light, now faces financial hardship, battling debt and solitude. Once inseparable, they now walk different paths.

Far from the glitz of Hollywood and royal headlines, Thomas Markle Sr. faces unexpected environmental battles after leaving America to start over in the tropical terrain of the Philippines.

Thomas Markle Sr., 80, now resides in a modest $665-a-month high-rise in Cebu, Philippines, far from his daughter Meghan Markle and her family. Struggling with his health after two heart attacks and a stroke, he faces intense heat and humidity, with temperatures hitting 33°C, as per The Mirror. A source shared, “It’s brutal even for men half his age, but it’s still sad to see him looking as though he’s struggling.” Recently relocated with his son, Thomas Markle Jr. is slowly adjusting to his new life, but the challenges remain overwhelming.

After moving from a hotel, the father-son duo now live in an apartment near a busy road. Despite its humble location, it stands out in Cebu, where poverty is rampant. This stark contrast to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s luxury in California is hard to ignore. Although Markle now enjoys royal life, her past still lingers, especially as her half-brother announced he is writing a tell-all memoir about her.

Meghan Markle Teases a Blooming Surprise- "Just wait til you see what I’ve been cooking up"

Amid escalating royal tensions and Thomas Markle Sr.’s hardships, Meghan Markle’s brother, Thomas Markle Jr., is set to release a tell-all book about her childhood, leaving fans wondering just how dark the secrets may be.

Thomas Markle Jr. has announced that he is currently working on a book focused on his sister Meghan Markle’s childhood. As per he Mirror, he expressed confidence in the book's success, stating, "When my book is finished, ooh it'll be swooped up real quick cos it's getting there." Although he downplayed financial motives, emphasizing the importance of the story, he admitted that a potential documentary could follow the book’s release.

Thomas Markle Jr. also took aim at Meghan Markle’s Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, during an interview with TalkTV, dismissing her childhood memories as “malarkey.” He confessed it was the first time he felt both embarrassed and sorry for her. As Markle’s father and brother continue to face financial hardship, the Duchess has enlisted a former Bill Gates aide to help grow her business empire. As tensions intensify within the royal family, they are also reaching a boiling point within Markle's own family.

Meghan Markle Hints at Getting Her Hands Dirty in Latest Podcast Episode, Mirroring Good CEO Traits

What do you think about Meghan Markle’s father’s struggles? Let us know in the comments below.