Meghan says she knew of father's abuse allegations in 2018 as Philippines probe begins
The Duchess of Sussex claims U.K. police received a letter in 2018 detailing disturbing allegations against Thomas Markle, days before Philippine authorities confirmed a formal inquiry.
By Kaito Shevchenko ·
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, called the news of a Philippine probe into her father's alleged possession of child sexual abuse materials "deeply distressing" in a statement released Friday.
The investigation centers on Thomas Markle Jr., who reported his 80-year-old father to authorities after finding digital files in storage boxes at their family home in Cebu province. The discovery occurred while Thomas Markle Sr. was in the United States receiving treatment for a stroke and blood clot.
In July, Thomas Markle Jr. contacted an FBI hotline, the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children, and Pennsylvania state police. The Sun reported on Thursday that the younger man found the materials after powering on an old cell phone at the residence. The Daily Mail reported on Friday that Thomas Markle Sr. denied the claims, stating he had never downloaded such content and calling the accusations "sick lies."
The Philippine News Agency confirmed on Friday that the Department of Justice is investigating the case. A justice official told the state-run agency that the department's anti-trafficking task force is handling the matter involving the American national.
Meghan stated she has known about the allegations since 2018. Her statement noted that a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and its Royalty and Specialist Protection division that year. The letter contained "troubling and disturbing allegations" against her father, and she was assured an investigation was underway. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said the force is internally confirming whether officers from that command helped pass on the 2018 letter. The force has not investigated Thomas Markle and is not currently doing so.
The Duchess addressed the distance between herself and her father, saying she limited his contact with her children to protect them. She said this choice remains her primary reason for their estrangement.
Meghan said her "sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children."
Source: CBS News
