80-Year-Old American Faces Probe in the Philippines Over Abuse Material
The Duchess of Sussex reveals she learned of the allegations against her father in 2018, while a formal inquiry begins in Cebu province.
By Hiroshi Ferrari ·
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has confirmed that an official investigation into her father, Thomas Markle, is now underway in the Philippines. She described herself as deeply distressed by the news. The probe centers on claims that the octogenarian possessed child sexual abuse materials. This development follows a statement she released on Friday to address the growing international attention on the case.
The duchess stated that she was not blindsided by the recent reports. She explained that she had known about the allegations since 2018. At that time, a letter containing disturbing claims was sent to the Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom. She said the letter was subsequently shared with her. She noted that she received assurances then that the matter was being looked into. This timeline suggests the issue has been on record for nearly eight years.
However, the Metropolitan Police has indicated it is not currently investigating Thomas Markle. A spokesperson for the force acknowledged that officers from its Royalty and Specialist Protection Command helped pass the letter in 2018. The police are now conducting internal enquiries to confirm these details. This gap between the initial notification and the current Philippine probe highlights the complex jurisdictional issues involved in the case.
The initial reports came from The Sun on Thursday. The tabloid said Thomas Markle Jr., the duchess's brother, reported their father to local authorities. He allegedly found the materials in storage boxes at the family home in the Philippines. According to the Daily Mail, Markle Sr. denied the claims, calling them sick lies. He said he had never downloaded such files in his life. These reports emerged while the elder Markle was in the United States receiving treatment for a stroke and a blood clot.
Thomas Jr. reportedly discovered the material while his father was away. He found an old cell phone at the home and switched it on. This is when he saw some of the content. He is said to have contacted an FBI hotline, the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children, and state police in Pennsylvania in July. Philippine state media confirmed on Friday that the Department of Justice is looking into the matter. The anti-trafficking task force is handling the case.
Meghan also addressed her relationship with her father. She said she distanced herself from him to protect her children. She expressed hope that the public now understands that her decision to limit contact was solely for their safety. She noted that media distortions over the years have complicated this narrative. Her statement emphasized that the priority must remain the protection of innocent children.
The case has drawn attention from outside the United Kingdom. It involves an American national living in the Philippines. The investigation is being led by local authorities in Cebu province. Meghan said her sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served. The outcome may influence how similar cross-border cases are handled in the future.
