Meghan 'deeply distressed' as Philippine probe targets father Thomas Markle
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, says she is deeply distressed after reports her estranged father faces a Philippine investigation into alleged child sexual abuse material.
What you need to know
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, said she was deeply distressed by reports that Philippine authorities are investigating her estranged father over alleged child sexual abuse material. Thomas Markle Sr denies possessing such images, and the Metropolitan Police says it has not investigated him and is reviewing how a 2018 letter reached Meghan.
- The Sun reported Thomas Markle Jr alleged he found images on devices at his father's former home in Cebu.
- The Philippine justice department's human trafficking and child exploitation taskforce is investigating, a justice official told the BBC.
- Thomas Markle Sr denied possessing such images, calling the accusations sick lies.
- The Metropolitan Police said it has not investigated Markle Sr and is making internal inquiries into a 2018 letter.
- Meghan said she was made aware of allegations against her father in 2018 by UK police.
Philippine investigation
The undersecretary of the Philippines' justice department, Nicholas Ty, told the BBC that a human trafficking and child sexual exploitation taskforce in Cebu is investigating the matter. Interior secretary Jonvic Remulla said national police had secured Thomas Markle Sr's computer for a digital forensic examination, with results expected within a week.
The Sun reported that Markle Jr told Philippine detectives he found the images on devices at the Cebu home where his father lived until returning to the US in May after a stroke. Markle Jr, 60, said he also contacted the FBI, which said it was aware of the allegations and would support Philippine authorities.
Denials and family statements
Markle Sr told the Daily Mail he never downloaded such material and called the accusations sick lies, saying he had not possessed the computers since leaving Mexico for the Philippines in January 2025. His daughter Samantha Markle defended him, alleging her brother fabricated the claims to make money and that the computers could have been tampered with.
In a statement through a spokesperson, Meghan said a 2018 letter to the Metropolitan police and its Royalty and Specialist Protection command was shared with her and made troubling allegations against her father. She said she was given assurances these were being investigated, and that her distance from her father was to protect her children.
The Met said it was aware of reports that its officers passed on a 2018 letter and was making internal inquiries. It is understood the force has not previously investigated Markle Sr and is not doing so now.
Has Thomas Markle Sr been charged over the allegations?
No charge has been reported. Philippine authorities are investigating, and a digital forensic examination of his computer was under way. Markle Sr denies the allegations, calling them sick lies, and has not been convicted of any offence.
Sources & context
- Duchess of Sussex ‘deeply distressed’ over child sexual abuse image claims against father ↗The Guardian
- Meghan "deeply distressed" as dad faces child abuse material probe ↗CBS News
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