Shocking Philippines Probe Into Claims Against Meghan’s Father

Image Source: BBC

Philippines investigators are examining allegations involving Thomas Markle Snr, the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, after reports that alleged child sexual abuse images were found at his former home.

The claims were first reported by The Sun and later detailed by the BBC. Markle, who is 82 and based in the United States, denies possessing any such images. Authorities in the Philippines say the matter remains under investigation and that no conclusions have been reached.

Urgent Philippines investigation begins in Cebu

Nicholas Ty, the Undersecretary for the Philippines Department of Justice, told the BBC that an anti-human trafficking and child sexual exploitation task force in Cebu is investigating the allegations.

Jonvic Remulla, the Philippines Interior Minister, separately said national police had secured Thomas Markle’s computer. Officers are conducting a comprehensive digital forensic examination to establish what data may be stored on the device and whether it is connected to any alleged criminal activity.

Remulla said investigators expected the forensic results to take about one week. The examination could help determine the scope of the claims, although authorities have not announced any findings or charges.

• The investigation is being handled by an anti-human trafficking and child sexual exploitation task force.
• Police have secured Thomas Markle’s computer for forensic analysis.
• Officials say preliminary results are expected in approximately one week.
• Thomas Markle denies possessing child sexual abuse images.

Meghan says she was warned in 2018

Meghan said she was informed about “disturbing allegations” against her father in 2018, the year she married Prince Harry. According to her statement, a letter containing allegations was sent to the Metropolitan Police and later shared with her.

She said she was assured that the claims were being investigated. Meghan added that the information helped explain why she had maintained her distance from her father and had not allowed him to have contact with her children.

“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.

She described the allegations as “more sickening than one could ever imagine” and said her hope was that justice would be served while the safety and protection of children remained the priority.

Police and FBI clarify their roles

The Metropolitan Police is not currently investigating Meghan’s father, according to the report. Instead, the force is carrying out an internal inquiry to confirm whether its royal protection unit passed the letter to the Duchess of Sussex.

The FBI said it was aware of the allegations and could provide support to Philippine authorities where appropriate. It also said it would investigate any related allegations involving possible violations of United States federal law.

The BBC reported that the Metropolitan Police had not shared the letter with other law enforcement agencies. The force and Thomas Markle were contacted for comment.

Claims add to a long-running family rift

The allegations have brought renewed attention to Meghan’s complicated relationship with her father. Their relationship deteriorated in the run-up to her 2018 wedding after Thomas Markle was found to have worked with photographers on staged images.

He later withdrew from the wedding, citing health problems. Meghan was walked down the aisle by King Charles III, who was then the Prince of Wales.

Thomas Markle moved to the Philippines in 2025 after suffering a series of strokes. He is now reportedly receiving rehabilitation in Florida after having a leg amputated during surgery in December 2025. Meghan previously sent him a letter while he was in hospital in the Philippines.

Meghan and Prince Harry returned to the United Kingdom with their two children in August, six years after moving to the United States. A spokesperson for the couple denied that the allegations involving Meghan’s father were a factor in their decision to leave the US.

What happens next?

The immediate focus is on the digital forensic examination of Thomas Markle’s computer. Investigators must determine whether the device contains relevant material and whether any evidence supports the allegations.

Until that process is complete, the claims remain unproven. The case also involves sensitive allegations concerning children, making careful handling of evidence and the protection of potential victims especially important.

What are Philippines authorities investigating?

Authorities are investigating reports that alleged child sexual abuse images were found at Thomas Markle’s former home. Police have secured a computer for forensic examination.

What has Thomas Markle said?

Thomas Markle denies possessing any child sexual abuse images. No findings or charges against him have been announced.

What did Meghan Markle say?

Meghan said she was informed about disturbing allegations in 2018 and was assured they were being investigated. She said the information influenced her decision to keep her children away from her father.

Is the Metropolitan Police investigating Thomas Markle?

The Metropolitan Police is not currently investigating him. The force is conducting an internal inquiry into how a letter about the allegations was handled.

When could more information emerge?

Philippines Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla said forensic results could take about one week, although the timing and publication of any findings remain uncertain.