Meghan Markle said on Friday she was “deeply distressed” by allegations that her father, Thomas Markle Sr., possessed child abuse images.
The Duchess of Sussex issued a statement after British tabloids reported that her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., found hundreds or thousands of such images while clearing their father’s former home in Cebu, Philippines. Markle Jr. told The Sun he discovered boxes of material, including videos, and reported it to Philippine police, the FBI, and US child protection authorities.
Meghan revealed she had seen a 2018 letter sent to London’s Metropolitan Police and its royal protection unit containing “troubling and disturbing allegations” against her father. “I was given assurances that these were being investigated,” she said, linking the claims to her long-standing estrangement from him and her decision to bar contact with her children. “Any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children was for one reason: to protect them.”
Philippine authorities confirmed an investigation is underway. Nicholas Ty, justice undersecretary, said the anti-trafficking and anti-online sexual abuse task force in Cebu is examining the case. The FBI acknowledged receiving Markle Jr.’s sworn statement and will assist Philippine investigators.
Thomas Markle Sr., 82, denied the allegations, calling them “sick lies” in comments to the Daily Mail. He said he was “shocked” and “hurt” by his son’s claims. Markle, now in a Florida rehabilitation center, has been estranged from Meghan since 2018, when he staged paparazzi photos before her wedding to Prince Harry.
The Metropolitan Police said it is internally reviewing whether officers handled the 2018 letter, but stated it has not investigated Thomas Markle.
