Police Confirm Investigation Into Meghan Markle's Father Over Child Abuse Image Claims
Police in the Philippines are investigating Meghan Markle's father over alleged child abuse images, claims he has strongly denied.
Trigger Warning: This article contains themes of child abuse that some readers may find distressing.
Meghan Markle's father, Thomas Markle Sr., is under investigation over allegations involving child s*xual abuse images, which he has firmly denied. In a recent development, the Philippine government has confirmed that police are investigating the matter.
As per Reuters, Nicholas Ty, Philippine justice undersecretary, revealed, “Our Anti-Trafficking and Anti-OSAEC (online sexual abuse and exploitation of children) task force in Cebu is currently investigating the matter.”
Thomas Markle Sr. has strongly rejected the allegations, insisting he could never commit the acts he's accused of. Speaking to the Daily Mail from a rehabilitation center in Florida, he said, “I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of.” He also expressed hurt over his son’s claims, describing them as “sick lies.”
Markle has also spoken out about the allegations, saying she was “deeply distressed” by the news. She told Sky News, “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 of Sussex was made aware of troubling allegations against her father in 2018. She revealed, “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.”
According to Philippine Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla, Markle's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., approached authorities with evidence related to the case. Remulla said the material included a laptop. The minister also said Thomas may have left Cebu, where he had been living for some time, and returned to the United States.
Thomas was expected to walk Markle down the aisle at her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry but pulled out days before the ceremony, citing health problems that required heart surgery. He withdrew after facing backlash for posing for staged paparazzi photographs ahead of the wedding. With her father absent, King Charles stepped in to accompany the Duchess partway down the aisle.
If you know of any children who are being subjected to abuse, please contact The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 422-4453
