Probe Into Allegations Involving Royal Relative's Father Surfaces 8 Years After UK Notification
Philippine authorities are investigating child abuse allegations involving Thomas Markle, while his daughter states she has been aware of such accusations since 2018.
By Luana Sato ·
The Duchess of Sussex is facing renewed public scrutiny as authorities in the Philippines commence an investigation into allegations against her father, a matter Meghan says she was alerted to nearly a decade ago. The development creates a sharp contrast between the current international inquiry and the Duchess's assertion that disturbing claims regarding her father were already routed to United Kingdom law enforcement in 2018, a period she describes as deeply distressing.
The core of the Duchess's statement centers on her prior knowledge of the situation. She asserts that a letter detailing troubling allegations against her father was forwarded to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection in 2018. Meghan claims this correspondence was subsequently shared with her, and she was given assurances at that time that the matters were being investigated. However, representatives for the Metropolitan Police have indicated that the force is not currently probing Thomas Markle, though they acknowledged awareness of reports that their Royalty and Specialist Protection Command assisted in passing along a letter in 2018. The force is conducting internal inquiries to confirm this specific detail.
The current inquiry stems from actions taken by family members closer to the source of the allegations. It has been reported that Thomas Markle Jr. brought concerns to the attention of Philippine authorities after discovering material in storage boxes at the family residence located in Cebu province. The younger Markle purportedly encountered the material on an old mobile phone while his father was in the United States for medical treatment involving a stroke and blood clot. Following this discovery, reports indicate that Thomas Jr. contacted the FBI, a national center for exploited children, and Pennsylvania state police in July.
Philippine authorities have officially confirmed that a formal review of these claims is active. State media confirmed on Friday that the Department of Justice is looking into reports regarding an octogenarian American national. A justice official assigned to the anti-trafficking task force handling the matter has confirmed that the subject of the investigation is indeed Thomas Markle Sr.
In response to the allegations, the father has denied any wrongdoing. In a statement attributed to him, Markle described the accusations as sick lies and insisted he has never downloaded such content in his life. The dispute has been fueled by reports from The Sun, which first detailed the allegations involving the elder Markle's involvement with Philippine authorities.
Meghan also used her statement to address the estrangement from her father, framing her decision to limit contact as a necessary measure for family safety. She stated that any distance from her father, and the choice to prevent him from having contact with her children, was done for one reason: to protect them. The Duchess emphasized that her priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children, expressing a hope that justice will be fully served.
