Thomas Markle Under Philippine Investigation
The Department of Justice is probing the Duchess of Sussex's father after he allegedly stored child abuse materials in Cebu province.
By Sarah Montgomery ·
Philippine authorities opened a formal investigation into Thomas Markle Sr. on Friday. The Department of Justice is examining reports that the 80-year-old American left videos and photographs of child sexual abuse materials in his residence in Cebu province. A Filipino justice official confirmed that the department's anti-trafficking task force is managing the case.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, responded to the news in a statement sent to CBS News. She described herself as deeply distressed by the allegations. The Duchess revealed that she has been aware of the claims since 2018. She stated that a letter detailing the troubling allegations was sent to the Metropolitan Police and its Royalty and Specialist Protection Command that year. The letter was later shared with her, and she was assured the matter was under investigation.
The Metropolitan Police clarified its role in the earlier correspondence. A spokesperson said the force is aware of media reports indicating that officers helped pass on the 2018 letter. The Met stated it is undertaking internal enquiries to confirm the details. The force noted that it is not currently investigating Thomas Markle.
The current probe stems from a report filed by Thomas Markle Jr., the Duchess's son. The Daily Mail reported that Markle Jr. discovered the materials in storage boxes at the family home in the Philippines. He reportedly found them after switching on an old cell phone. At the time, his father was in the United States receiving treatment for a stroke and a blood clot. Markle Jr. told the publication that he first alerted an FBI hotline, the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children, and Pennsylvania state police in July.
Thomas Markle Sr. denied the accusations in a statement to the Daily Mail. He said he had never downloaded such materials and dismissed the claims as sick lies. The Daily Mail noted that Markle Jr. originally reported the discovery to Philippine authorities on Thursday, according to The Sun.
In her statement, the Duchess of Sussex addressed the distance between herself and her father. She explained that her decision to limit contact with her children was made to protect them. She said she hoped the public would understand this choice despite media distortions over the years.
The Duchess concluded by expressing her hope that justice would be fully served. She emphasized that the priority must remain the safety and protection of innocent children.
