Thomas Markle Sr. Probed Over Child Abuse Image Allegations

Authorities in the Philippines are investigating Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, following allegations he possessed child sexual abuse images. Thomas Markle Jr. alerted police after discovering material at his father’s former home, while Meghan revealed she was warned about troubling allegations in 2018.

An investigation centered in Cebu, Philippines, has drawn international law enforcement scrutiny to Thomas Markle Sr., the 82-year-old father of Meghan Markle. Philippine interior secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed to authorities in the Philippines that Thomas Markle Jr. provided police with evidence, including a laptop, after discovering material in boxes at his father’s former residence. Investigators are examining material reportedly found at his former home in Cebu, where the pair had moved in January 2025 before returning to the United States the following year.

Philippine justice undersecretary Nicholas Ty stated that the Anti-Trafficking and Anti-OSAEC task force in Cebu is actively examining the matter. Meanwhile, the FBI stated that it is aware of the allegations and will provide support to Philippine authorities while investigating any potential federal violations of U.S. law. Meghan’s father, who had lived in Cebu for some time, was now believed to be back in the United States, according to interior secretary Jonvic Remulla, and is currently living in a nursing home in Florida without having been arrested in either country.

Meghan Markle Confronted Dad Thomas Over Child Sex Abuse Allegations: New Details

Meghan Markle Discloses 2018 Police Warning and Restricts Family Contact

In a statement addressing the inquiry, the Duchess of Sussex revealed that she had learned of troubling claims years prior. She explained that her long-standing estrangement and decision to keep her father away from her children, Archie and Lilibet, was for one reason: to protect them. Meghan noted that she had known about the allegations against her father since 2018 and had prevented him from having contact with her children, who are now aged seven and five.

Reflecting on her past experiences in a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan discussed the immense media frenzy surrounding her family, stating that there was an obsession with tracking down her parents and that she did everything she could to protect both of them. She recalled how U.K. tabloids spent over a year searching for her dad and offering substantial sums of money to find his address. Regarding her relationship with her parents, Meghan is the only child from the eight-year marriage between Thomas Markle Sr., a former General Hospital lighting director, and Doria Ragland. Thomas Markle Sr. also shares a son, Thomas Markle Jr., and a daughter, Samantha.

Instagram

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 Markle, Duchess of Sussex, via Us Magazine

Meghan added that she was deeply distressed at the news that emerged, noting that her thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed and hoping that justice will be fully served. Her statement highlighted that she trusted the authorities were doing the same for other families.

Metropolitan Police Review 2018 Letter Handling Amid Sibling Denials

The revelation has prompted an internal review within London’s Metropolitan Police. The force confirmed it received a letter in 2018 containing allegations outside the U.K., which was passed to the Sussexes’ office but not shared more broadly with other law enforcement agencies at the time. British police stated they were aware of media reports that officers from the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Command were involved.

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, takes part in the Scar Tree Walk in Melbourne, Australia on April 16, 2026. (Jonathan — Photo: CTV News

Family reactions to the investigation remain sharply divided. Thomas Markle Jr., aged 60, told reporters that he had no option but to report his dad after discovering hundreds, if not thousands, of thumbnail pictures linking to the most sickening child abuse imaginable on his desktop, adding that he would no longer speak to his father except to give evidence. Thomas Jr. also signed a sworn statement and explained that he had supported, cared for, and helped his father for years, but that assistance had stopped.

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.

Samantha Markle, half-sister, via Daily Mail and Us Magazine

Samantha Markle defended her father, pushing back against the claims and questioning why her brother would try to destroy him with lies. Thomas Markle Sr., for his part, strongly rejected the accusations, telling the Daily Mail that the allegations were untrue, completely sickening lies, and asserting that he could never commit such acts.