Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is “deeply distressed” by child sexual abuse image allegations against her estranged father Thomas Markle Sr, after her half-brother Thomas Markle Jr contacted police in the Philippines following alleged discoveries among family possessions.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is “deeply distressed” by allegations against her father Thomas Markle Sr over child sexual abuse images.
The duchess, 45, revealed she was aware of “troubling and disturbing allegations” against her dad in 2018 after a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police, and it was later shared with her.
In a statement, she said: “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.
“In 2018, a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection. That letter was subsequently shared with me.
“It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated.”
Meghan’s statement comes following reports her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr, 82 – who she has had no contact with since 2018, before her wedding to Prince Harry, 42 – is reportedly facing a police investigation in the Philippines after his son alleged he discovered child sexual abuse images among family possessions and computer files.
According to a report by The Sun newspaper, Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr, 60, has submitted a sworn statement to police in the Philippine city of Cebu after allegedly discovering the material while sorting through his father’s belongings.
The allegations have not been proven, and no charges against Thomas Sr were identified in the report.
Speaking to The Sun about his decision to contact the authorities, Thomas Jr said: “When I found this material I was horrified and I had no option but to report my dad.
“I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years – but that stops now.
“I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him.”
Thomas Jr, who has helped care for his father since Thomas Sr suffered a serious stroke in 2022, said he was deeply disturbed by what he claimed to have found.
He reportedly told a friend: “I knew right away it was highly illegal and would land me in jail for a long time if I didn’t get rid of it. I felt betrayed, angry and disgusted – and realised I had to report him.”
The newspaper reported Thomas Jr contacted US authorities in July, including the FBI, a national child protection reporting service and police in Pennsylvania, where his father had previously been living.
Duchess of Sussex ‘deeply distressed’ by child abuse image allegations against her dad
