Meghan Markle ‘deeply distressed’ by allegations against father Thomas Markle as Philippine police investigate

Meghan Markle has revealed that she was told about serious allegations against her estranged father, Thomas Markle, in 2018, the year she married Prince Harry. The Duchess of Sussex said a letter about the claims was sent to the Metropolitan Police in London and later shared with her. Her statement comes as police in the Philippines investigate claims that images showing child sexual abuse were found at her father’s former home. Thomas Markle, 82, has denied possessing such images. The allegations have not been proven, and the investigation is ongoing.

What did Meghan Markle say about her father?

In a statement on October 23, Meghan said she was “deeply distressed” by the reports. She also expressed concern for any children who may have been harmed. Meghan said a letter containing allegations against her father was sent to the Metropolitan Police in 2018. She said she received the information later and was assured that the claims were being investigated. The Duchess also explained why she has kept her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, away from her father. She said her decision to keep them apart was made “to protect them”. Meghan added that she hoped the truth would come out and that the safety of children would remain the main concern.

Why are authorities in the Philippines investigating Thomas Markle?

The case came to light after Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., reportedly told The Sun that he had found images showing child sexual abuse at their father’s former home in the Philippines. Philippine authorities have confirmed that the matter is being investigated. Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty told the BBC that a specialist task force in Cebu was looking into the case.


Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla also told the BBC that police had secured a computer linked to the case for a digital examination. Investigators are checking the material to understand the full extent of the allegations. Thomas Markle has denied possessing the images. He has described the claims as false, according to media reports. No final findings have been announced, and the allegations should not be treated as proven.

What happened to Meghan and Thomas Markle’s relationship?

Meghan’s relationship with her father broke down before her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018. Thomas Markle was expected to attend the ceremony but later withdrew after controversy over staged photographs and health concerns. King Charles, who was then the Prince of Wales, walked Meghan part of the way down the aisle. The father and daughter have remained estranged since then. Thomas Markle has not met Meghan and Harry’s children, Archie and Lilibet.

Meghan’s latest statement offers more context for her decision to keep her distance from her father. However, the claims against him remain under investigation, and the outcome will depend on the evidence examined by the authorities.

What is known about the police inquiry?

Meghan’s statement has also raised questions about how the Metropolitan Police handled the letter sent in 2018. The BBC reported that the force was making internal enquiries to establish whether its Royalty and Specialist Protection unit had passed the letter to the Duchess.

The enquiries relate to the handling of the letter. The BBC reported that the Metropolitan Police was not currently investigating Thomas Markle himself. For now, Philippine authorities are examining the evidence, while British police are checking what happened to the earlier letter. The investigation has yet to conclude.