The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan, has expressed deep concern over allegations of child sexual abuse imagery against her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr. She revealed that she had been informed of “disturbing allegations” against him as early as 2018 by the Metropolitan Police. This statement comes after The Sun published claims from her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr, who asserted that he had found a quantity of such images belonging to their father at his former home in the Philippines. Markle Jr, 60, is reported to have also contacted the FBI in the US.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Thomas Markle Sr denied possessing child sexual abuse images, calling the accusations “sick lies”. He said the computers had not been in his possession since he left Rosarito, Mexico, with his son in January 2025 (a date that appears to be inaccurate, but is retained as in the original) and moved to the Philippines for a “fresh start”. From a rehabilitation centre in Florida, where he is learning to walk with a prosthesis after the amputation of his left leg, he expressed shock and anger, stressing that he would never do such a thing. Meanwhile, authorities in the Philippines, through Undersecretary of the Department of Justice Nicholas Ty and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, have confirmed that the case is being investigated by a task force on human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children in Cebu. The National Police have secured Markle Sr’s computer for a full digital forensic examination, with results expected within a week.
In her statement, Meghan said: “I am deeply concerned by the news that has emerged in the past 24 hours, and my thoughts are with every child who may have been harmed.” She confirmed that in 2018, a letter containing “disturbing and distressing allegations” against her father was sent to the Metropolitan Police and the Royalty and Specialist Protection Unit (RaSP), and was then passed on to her, with assurances that it was being investigated. Meghan explained that the distance from her father and her choice not to allow his contact with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was for one reason alone: “to protect them”. She hopes that justice is fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children. Sources close to her said she had been unable to speak publicly earlier to avoid jeopardising any future investigation and because of legal consequences.
The Metropolitan Police have stated that they have not previously investigated Markle Sr, nor are they currently doing so. However, the force is conducting internal inquiries into the involvement of RaSP officers in passing on the 2018 letter. A Met spokesperson confirmed that inquiries are being made to verify the media reports. Meanwhile, Meghan’s half-sister, Samantha Markle, has defended their father, accusing her brother, Markle Jr, of “making up lies” to make money. She claimed that her brother’s accusations came after their father cut off his funds, and that the computers had not been in the father’s possession for two years, leaving room for manipulation.
Taken from The Guardian UK