A GoFundMe campaign organized by British socialite Lady Colin Campbell has raised over $50,000 to support Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan Markle. The funds are intended to help Thomas, who is 80 years old, cover medical expenses and other necessities as he faces health challenges. The campaign has gained significant traction, reflecting public interest and sympathy for Thomas amid his ongoing estrangement from his daughter.

Lady Campbell, a well-known royal author, launched the fundraiser with a heartfelt message emphasizing Thomas's generosity and kindness over the years. She described herself as a "well-wisher" and expressed hope that the contributions would bring Thomas some comfort in his declining health. Campbell noted, “[Thomas Markle] has been exceedingly generous with his time and money over the years, as I have learnt from the teachers at his daughter's school, who could not sing his praises highly enough.”

The relationship between Thomas and Meghan has been strained since 2018, around the time of her wedding to Prince Harry. Thomas has not met his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, and has publicly expressed his desire to reconcile with Meghan. In a recent interview, Thomas admitted, "I know the one person I most want to hear from, Meghan, won’t be in touch. I would love to meet my grandchildren, but I would be happy with a photograph at this stage."

The GoFundMe campaign has drawn attention not only because of the amount raised but also due to the ongoing family drama that has captured global interest. Thomas has been vocal about his disappointment over being excluded from his daughter’s life and her children’s upbringing. He criticized Meghan and Harry for denying their children the chance to know their royal relatives and participate in traditions such as Trooping the Colour, describing it as their "birthright."

Lady Colin Campbell's initiative appears to have struck a chord with many who sympathize with Thomas's plight. She wrote in the campaign summary, "Now that he has been rejected and abandoned by the daughter, those of us who wish to show him solidarity and give him the acknowledgment he should be getting from the actual recipient of his largesse, will hopefully, through our contributions, no matter how small, demonstrate to him that there are still people in the world with good hearts, good values, and good intentions."

The fundraiser has received numerous messages of support from donors, many of whom shared their own experiences of family estrangement. One donor from New Zealand wrote, “Sending you love and hugs from New Zealand. Hoping you get to see your grandchildren soon.” Another supporter added, “My father is gone from this earth and I wish I could give him a hug. I want to give it to you and just know that you have daughters around the world now. You are loved.”

Thomas's relationship with Meghan reportedly deteriorated after he participated in a staged paparazzi photoshoot before her wedding, which he later regretted. Health issues prevented him from attending the wedding, and the subsequent fallout led to a complete breakdown in communication. Meghan addressed the estrangement during an interview with Oprah Winfrey, explaining her difficulty reconciling her father's actions with the press.

Despite the fractured relationship, the public's response to the fundraiser suggests a significant level of support for Thomas. Lady Campbell's campaign highlights the broader issue of family estrangement and the emotional toll it takes on individuals. The messages of solidarity and the substantial financial support reflect a shared empathy and a desire to offer comfort to someone perceived as being wronged.

As the fundraiser continues to gather support, it remains to be seen whether this public display of sympathy will have any impact on the strained relationship between Meghan and her father. For now, Thomas Markle can take solace in the fact that there are still people who care about his well-being and are willing to support him during his time of need.