International Probe Launched into Thomas Markle Sr Allegations
Philippine authorities investigate claims of child sex abuse images at former home; Meghan Markle expresses distress.
Callum Smith
Authorities in the Philippines are investigating claims that Thomas Markle Sr had a hoard of child sex abuse images at his former home.
"I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications' distortion over the years, 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," she stated.
Thomas Markle Sr. denies these allegations. He calls them "bulls*" and "a bunch of lies."
I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications' distortion over the years, 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.
Markle Sr. moved to the Philippines in 2025 after a series of strokes. He is reportedly in a Florida rehabilitation center, learning to walk with a prosthetic limb after his left leg was amputated below the knee in December.
Philippines Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla stated national police secured Thomas Markle Sr.'s computer for a digital forensic examination. Results are expected in one week.
The Metropolitan Police conducts internal inquiries after reports surfaced. Officers from its Royalty and Specialist Protection Command were reportedly involved in passing on a letter in 2018.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed, "We are undertaking inquiries internally in an effort to confirm this." The Met Police confirmed it received a letter containing serious claims about Thomas Markle, sending it to the MPS Protection Command.
Scotland Yard confirmed it passed the information to the office of the Duke and Duchess. However, a Met Police spokesperson stated, "The details of the allegations in the letter were not shared with other law enforcement agencies."
The Met Police reviews its handling of the matter in 2019. It considers a referral to the IOPC. A Met Police spokesperson confirmed, "The MPS is reviewing the handling of this matter in 2019 and considering whether a referral to the IOPC is necessary to review our approach."
UK police are not investigating Thomas Markle Sr. The relationship between Meghan and her father broke down in the run-up to her wedding in 2018, when Thomas Markle colluded with photographers to stage photos.
Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., reportedly contacted FBI investigators in the US in July. He claimed he discovered child abuse pictures and videos among family belongings while clearing the property.
The FBI is aware of the allegations. It will provide support to Philippine authorities where appropriate. The FBI also stated, "We will also investigate any related allegations of federal violations of US law."
Thomas Markle Sr. vehemently denies the accusations. He states, "I'm shocked, I'm hurt and I'm very upset that my son is making these accusations against me. I could never do what I'm being accused of. It's the worst thing anyone could accuse me of."
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