Thomas Markle Sr., 82, the father of the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, is reportedly being investigated following claims that suspected child sexual abuse images were discovered among his belongings in Cebu, the Philippines.

According to reports Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., allegedly discovered the material while searching through his father’s stored possessions. He claimed to have found images and videos on old mobile phones and computer hard drives, prompting him to report the discovery to authorities.

On Friday October 23rd, Philippine Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty confirmed to Reuters that the country’s anti-trafficking and online child sexual abuse task force in Cebu was investigating the matter as the allegations have not been established as facts and no charges have been publicly announced.

Thomas Markle Jr. reportedly contacted US authorities before raising the matter with investigators in the Philippines. He said he felt compelled to report his father after what he claimed to have discovered. Thomas Markle Sr. has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as “sick lies.” He has also questioned why his son would make such accusations against him. Authorities have yet to publicly announce any findings establishing the nature or extent of the alleged material.

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Following the reports, Meghan issued a statement expressing her distress over the allegations and concern for any children who may have been harmed. Meghan Stated:

“I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed.

The Duchess also revealed that she had been made aware of troubling allegations concerning her father in 2018, when a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection. Meghan said the letter was subsequently shared with her and that she had been assured the allegations were being investigated.

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. I trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families.

Meghan added that she hoped justice would be served and that the safety of children would remain the priority.

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Meghan and Thomas Markle have been estranged since 2018. In the lead up to her wedding with Prince Harry, their relationship deteriorated after Thomas admitted arranging staged paparazzi photographs ahead of the royal wedding. However, he ultimately did not attend the ceremony due to health problems.

The family rift continued in the years that followed with Thomas frequently speaking about his daughter in several interviews. It's also noted that he has never met Meghan and Harry’s children.

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While Philippine authorities have confirmed that they are investigating the allegations, reports have also indicated that US authorities have been contacted, although the full scope of any separate investigation has not been publicly established. For now, Thomas Markle Sr. denies the accusations, and no criminal charges have been publicly announced in connection with the reported discovery. The investigation will need to establish whether the alleged material is genuine, where it came from and whether any offences have been committed. Until authorities release further findings, the claims remain allegations rather than proven criminal conduct.

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