Cebu police set seven-day deadline for digital probe of Markle Sr's computer

A forensic examination of the computer belonging to Thomas Markle Sr will conclude within one week, according to Philippine interior secretary Jonvic Remulla. The digital probe is part of an investigation into allegations that Markle Sr possessed child sexual abuse images while living in Cebu. This development provides a concrete timeline for the digital evidence gathering in a case that has drawn international attention.

The timeline of the investigation began when Markle Sr returned to the United States in May after suffering a stroke. He had resided in Cebu, Philippines, since moving there for a fresh start. Before his departure, he left four large boxes containing computers and mobile phones at his former home. These devices have now been secured by national police for a full digital forensic examination. Remulla stated he expected to receive the forensic results within seven days.

The public scrutiny intensified after The Sun reported that Markle Jr, 60, told detectives he found hundreds, if not thousands, of images belonging to their father. Markle Jr also contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI stated it will support the Philippine authorities as appropriate and investigate any related allegations of federal violations of US law. Philippine officials confirmed the matter is under investigation, with a human trafficking and child sexual exploitation taskforce in Cebu handling the case.

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, issued a statement through a spokesperson addressing the allegations. She described herself as deeply distressed by the claims against her estranged father. She revealed that the Metropolitan Police made her aware of disturbing allegations against him in 2018. A letter sent to the Met and its Royalty and Specialist Protection unit, known as Rasp, was later shared with her. She said the letter contained troubling allegations and that she was assured they were being investigated.

Meghan explained that her decision to keep distance from her father and not let him have contact with her children was intended to protect them. She noted that she trusted the authorities were doing the same for other families. She added that she hopes justice will be fully served and that children's safety remains the priority. Sources indicated that Meghan could not speak publicly in 2018 because doing so might have jeopardized any future investigation and could have exposed her to legal action.

It is understood that the Rasp unit passed the letter to Meghan shortly after her wedding. The Met has not previously investigated Markle Sr and is not doing so now. The force said it is making internal inquiries to confirm whether Rasp officers were involved in passing on the letter. This internal review adds another layer of scrutiny to the handling of the 2018 correspondence.

Markle Sr has denied the claims, calling them sick lies in an interview with the Daily Mail. Speaking from a rehabilitation center in Florida, he said he was shocked and hurt. He is currently learning to walk with a prosthetic limb after his left leg was amputated due to a blood clot. Markle Sr stated that the computers had not been in his possession since he left Rosarito, Mexico, with his son in January 2025.

Markle Jr's sister, Samantha Markle, defended their father and accused Markle Jr of making up lies to make money. She alleged the claims came days after their father cut off his funds. She also noted that the computers were out of his possession for two years, suggesting that leaves a lot of room for tampering. Markle Sr has been estranged from the Duchess since he missed her wedding to Prince Harry on health grounds. He has never met his grandchildren, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five.

The next step in the process is the completion of the forensic analysis by the Cebu taskforce. The results of this examination will determine the subsequent actions of the Philippine police. The FBI will continue to monitor the case for potential federal violations. The internal inquiries at the Metropolitan Police regarding the 2018 letter are also ongoing. The seven-day deadline set by Interior Secretary Remulla marks the immediate horizon for new evidence in the case.