The Duchess of Sussex revealed in 2018 she was alerted to alarming allegations concerning her father, Thomas Markle Sr., stating that her long estrangement was aimed at protecting her children.
Meghan Markle broke her silence in a statement provided to People regarding the investigation surrounding her 82-year-old father. She disclosed that a letter detailing disturbing claims had been sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection the year of her wedding, and that the correspondence was subsequently shared with her.
Thomas Markle Jr. Reports Material Found in Cebu
The current police scrutiny began after Thomas Markle Jr. discovered boxes containing child sex abuse images and videos on computers and a mobile phone left behind at their father’s former residence in Cebu, Philippines. He stated to the Sun that he felt compelled to act upon finding the material. He found cartons holding hundreds to thousands of incriminatory items while searching for a mobile phone, and mentioned recognizing a room from their father’s former home in Rosarito, Mexico, in one of the images.
Thomas Markle Jr. said he submitted a statement to local authorities in the Philippines and notified the FBI.
Investigators have not announced any formal charges, and the allegations remain unproven.
Denials From Florida and Family Disputes Over the Evidence
I am under the shock, hurt and very upset by the accusations my son is making against me. I could never do what I am accused of. This is the worst thing you can accuse me of.
Thomas Markle Sr., father of the Duchess of Sussex, via 20Min
Meanwhile, Samantha Markle defended her father, stating to Page Six that she contests her brother’s accusations and asserts that no evidence demonstrates that Thomas Markle downloaded the incriminating files.
There is no merit in these disgusting allegations whatsoever and my brother is disgusting for making them up. He wants to destroy our dad. Shame on him.
Protection of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet
The duchess emphasized that her long-standing decision to keep her father away from her family was rooted entirely in safeguarding her children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. She noted that while the newly uncovered scope of the situation surpassed imagination, her primary hope remained the safety and protection of innocent children and the full delivery of justice.
The Metropolitan Police have been contacted for comment regarding the 2018 correspondence.