Meghan Markle ‘deeply distressed’ over child sexual abuse image claims against her father

In a statement issued on Friday, Meghan expressed concern for any children who may have been harmed.

The investigation reportedly followed allegations made by her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., who claimed he found images on their father’s phone and computers.

“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,” Meghan said.

The allegations have prompted reported inquiries by Philippine authorities, while the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States has also acknowledged awareness of the matter.

Philippine authorities investigating allegations

According to a report by The Sun, Thomas Markle Jr. approached police in the Philippines after allegedly discovering images on his father’s electronic devices.

The Philippine News Agency, the government-run news organisation, reported on Friday that the country’s Department of Justice was investigating allegations involving an American man in his eighties who had allegedly left child abuse videos and photographs at his home in Cebu province.

Nicholas Ty, an undersecretary at the Philippine Department of Justice, told the news agency that its anti-trafficking and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) task force was investigating the matter.

The Philippine News Agency also reported that Thomas Markle Sr. had travelled from the Philippines to the United States for medical treatment.

ABC News said it had contacted Philippine authorities for comment.

It also reported that it had been unable to reach either Thomas Markle Sr. or Thomas Markle Jr. for a response.

Thomas Markle Sr. denies allegations

Thomas Markle Sr. has rejected the allegations, describing them as “sick lies” and “the worst thing anyone could accuse me of”, according to comments he gave to the Daily Mail.

“I’m shocked, I’m hurt, and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me. I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of,” he told the newspaper.

He also disputed the suggestion that the computers mentioned in the allegations had remained in his possession.

According to the Daily Mail, he said he had not had the devices since leaving Rosarito, Mexico, in January 2025.

The allegations have not been established in court. Thomas Markle Sr.’s denial comes as Philippine authorities investigate the reported claims.

Meghan 'learned of earlier allegations in 2018'

In her statement, Meghan said she first became aware of allegations concerning her father in 2018, although she did not disclose their nature.

She said a letter had been sent that year to the Metropolitan Police and its Royalty and Specialist Protection Command.

According to the Duchess, the letter was subsequently shared with her, and she was assured that the concerns raised in it were being investigated.

“In 2018, a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection. That letter was subsequently shared with me. It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father, and I was given assurances that these were being investigated,” Meghan said.

The Metropolitan Police Service told ABC News on Friday that it was aware of media reports concerning the letter.

“We are aware of media reports that officers from the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Command were involved in the passing on of a letter in 2018. We are undertaking enquiries internally in an effort to confirm this,” the force said.

The statement indicates that the Metropolitan Police is conducting internal inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported communication.

FBI acknowledges awareness of the case

The FBI has also confirmed that it is aware of the allegations involving Thomas Markle Sr.

“The FBI is aware of the allegations and will provide support, as appropriate, to the Philippine authorities,” an FBI official told ABC News.

The official added that the agency would investigate any related allegations involving potential violations of federal law in the United States.

The extent of any FBI involvement and the outcome of the Philippine investigation have not been detailed in the reports cited.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the matter, according to ABC News.

Meghan and her father have been estranged since 2018

The reported investigation has renewed attention on Meghan’s long-standing estrangement from her father.

Thomas Markle Sr. did not attend Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018 after controversy surrounding photographs he had reportedly been paid to pose for by paparazzi.

At the wedding ceremony at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, Harry’s father, King Charles III, accompanied Meghan down the aisle.

Meghan and Harry, who have two children, have remained estranged from Thomas Markle Sr. since the wedding.