Meghan Markle says she was warned of disturbing allegations against her father in 2018 as Philippine probe proceeds

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, issued a statement on Friday expressing deep distress over recent reports that her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr, is under investigation in the Philippines for alleged possession of child sexual abuse images. She said she had first been made aware of the allegations in 2018 when a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and the Royalty and Specialist Protection unit, a copy of which was later shared with her. The Duchess added that she had been given assurances at the time that the allegations were being investigated, and that her decision to keep her father away from her children was driven by a desire to protect them.

The claims first emerged in a report by the British tabloid The Sun, which said Thomas Markle Jr, the Duchess’s half‑brother, discovered a large cache of child‑sex‑abuse material in storage boxes at their father’s former home in Cebu province, Philippines. He reportedly reported the discovery to the FBI, the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children and to Pennsylvania state police. Philippine authorities confirmed that the Department of Justice’s anti‑human‑trafficking task force is conducting a digital forensic examination of the senior Markle’s computer, with results expected within a week.

Thomas Markle Sr, an 82‑year‑old former television lighting director now residing in the United States, has denied any involvement, describing the accusations as “sick lies” in statements to the Daily Mail and other outlets. He is reportedly receiving treatment in a Florida rehabilitation centre following a recent stroke and blood‑clot surgery.

Background

Meghan’s estranged relationship with her father dates back to her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, when Thomas Markle Sr withdrew from the ceremony for health reasons and the couple subsequently became distant. The Duchess has previously limited contact with him, a stance she says was motivated by concerns for her children’s safety. The 2018 letter referenced by Meghan was sent to the Metropolitan Police and the Royalty and Specialist Protection unit shortly after her wedding, and was later forwarded to her by the police. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are not currently investigating the senior Markle, but are conducting an internal review to verify that the letter was passed on correctly.

The Philippine investigation was sparked by the discovery of alleged illegal material at the senior Markle’s home in Cebu. The Department of Justice’s anti‑human‑trafficking task force, led by Undersecretary Nicholas Ty, is overseeing the probe, while Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla confirmed that national police have seized the computer for a comprehensive forensic analysis.

Why it matters

The allegations intersect several high‑profile concerns: the safety of children, the integrity of royal family decisions, and international law‑enforcement cooperation. For the Duchess, the matter underscores her longstanding effort to shield her children from potential harm, a point she emphasised in her statement. For the Philippines, the case adds to ongoing efforts to combat child sexual exploitation, with the task force’s findings potentially influencing broader anti‑trafficking strategies. The Metropolitan Police’s internal review reflects the sensitivity surrounding any royal‑related investigations and the need for procedural transparency.

Public reaction has been shaped by media narratives that have previously portrayed Meghan as distancing herself from an elderly father for personal reasons. Her recent clarification aims to reframe the estrangement as a protective measure, a stance that may affect public perception of the royal family’s handling of personal crises.

What happens next

Philippine authorities expect to complete the forensic examination of Thomas Markle Sr’s computer within a week, after which they will determine the scope of any illegal material and decide on further legal action. The Metropolitan Police’s internal inquiry into the handling of the 2018 letter is ongoing, with no timeline disclosed. Both investigations remain separate, and neither the UK police nor the Duchess’s representatives have provided additional comment at the time of publication.