Duchess of Sussex Addresses Allegations Against Father

The royal family’s most recent member has stepped forward to address a growing legal and personal dispute involving her estranged father. Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, stated she is deeply distressed by reports that Thomas Markle Sr possessed child sexual abuse images. She also disclosed that UK police officials shared disturbing allegations with her as far back as 2018.

The situation began to unfold when the Sun newspaper reported that Markle’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr, claimed to have found a large collection of images at their father’s former residence in the Philippines. Markle Sr has strongly denied the accusations, describing them as sick lies to the Daily Mail. He noted that the computers involved were not in his control for two years, a period he says leaves significant room for tampering.

Markle’s statement details a timeline of communication with the Metropolitan Police. She explained that a letter sent to the force’s Royalty and Specialist Protection unit in 2018 was later shared with her. She said she was assured an investigation was underway at that time. Her spokesperson noted that she could not speak publicly in 2018 to avoid jeopardizing future legal steps or exposing herself to litigation.

The Metropolitan Police has clarified that it is not currently investigating Markle Sr, though it is conducting internal inquiries to confirm if officers passed the letter to her. The unit is understood to have shared the document shortly after her wedding. Markle said her decision to limit contact with her father was driven by a desire to protect her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who have never met their grandfather.

In the Philippines, the investigation is moving forward with the support of the FBI, which said it will assist local authorities. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that national police have secured Markle Sr’s computer for a full digital forensic examination. He expects the results within one week. A human trafficking and child sexual exploitation taskforce in Cebu is currently handling the matter.

Markle Sr, who is recovering from a leg amputation in a Florida rehabilitation center, said he is shocked and hurt by the claims. He told the Mail that he could never do what he is being accused of. He added that he moved to the Philippines for a fresh start after leaving Mexico in January 2025.

Markle’s half-sister, Samantha Markle, has also weighed in, accusing her brother of fabricating stories for financial gain. She pointed out that the allegations surfaced days after their father cut off his funding. The family remains estranged from the Duchess since Markle Sr missed her wedding to Prince Harry on health grounds.