Meghan Markle’s father Thomas Markle under investigation on Philippines over alleged child abuse: What happened so far?

Meghan Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., is under investigation in the Philippines following allegations that suspected child sexual abuse material was discovered at his former home. The case has taken a fresh turn after the country’s interior minister described him as a possible serious sex offender, while stressing that forensic examinations must establish the facts. The allegations have also renewed scrutiny of Meghan’s long-standing estrangement from her father. The Duchess of Sussex has said she is “deeply distressed” by the reports and hopes authorities will prioritise the safety of children. Here is what is known about the investigation, Thomas Markle’s response and the questions now facing authorities.

Why Is Thomas Markle Under Investigation?

Philippine authorities are investigating allegations that Thomas Markle Sr., 82, possessed child sexual abuse material. The claims emerged after his son, Thomas Markle Jr., reportedly discovered suspected material while clearing out his father’s former residence in Cebu, Philippines.

According to reporting by The Guardian and the Associated Press, Markle Jr. told authorities he had found boxes containing a large quantity of alleged images and reported the discovery to Philippine police and the FBI. Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla told The Guardian that investigators were examining the material before concluding. “Right now all signs point to a possible sex offender of the grossest kind,” Remulla said, while emphasising that authorities needed to verify the evidence. He said forensic results were expected within about a week.


The Philippine National Police reportedly found suspected material and a laptop during an inspection of the property. Authorities have said legal action would depend on the outcome of the investigation and whether sufficient evidence exists.

Thomas Markle Denies The Allegations

Thomas Markle Sr. has strongly denied the accusations. In comments reported by British media, he described them as lies and said he was shocked and hurt by his son’s claims. He also told the Daily Mail that he had never got physically intimate with anyone under the age of 18. The allegations have not been proven, and the forensic investigation remains crucial to establishing what the material contains, whether it can be linked to Markle and whether any criminal offence has occurred. Philippine authorities have indicated that they will coordinate with relevant agencies, including counterparts in the United States, as the inquiry progresses.

What Has Meghan Markle Said?

Meghan issued a statement expressing distress over the allegations and concern for any children who may have been harmed. “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,” she said. She also addressed the long-running questions surrounding her decision to distance herself from her father. Meghan said she had been made aware of troubling allegations years earlier and maintained that keeping her father away from her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was a decision made to protect them. Her statement concluded with a call for justice and for the safety of children to remain the priority.

Why Is The Metropolitan Police Also Facing Questions?

The case has prompted scrutiny of how earlier concerns about Thomas Markle were handled in Britain. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that it received a letter in January 2019 containing claims of alleged offending outside the United Kingdom. The letter was reviewed by the force’s Protection Command and passed to the office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but its allegations were not shared with other law enforcement agencies.

The force said it was reviewing how the matter had been handled and considering whether a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct was necessary. The development raises questions about what authorities knew at the time and how information about alleged offences abroad should be shared between agencies. For now, the investigation in the Philippines remains ongoing. The next major development is expected to come from forensic analysis, which authorities say is needed before they can offer a definitive assessment or determine whether charges are warranted.