By Basant El-Faramawy
Police in the Philippines have obtained a court warrant to examine digital devices and hard drives belonging to Thomas Markle, father of the Duchess of Sussex, over alleged child sex abuse images. The materials were handed to authorities by Markle's son, Thomas Markle Jr., who says he discovered them at his father's former home in Cebu.
Allegations and Denials
Thomas Markle Sr. denies all accusations, calling his son's claims "sick lies." Cebu regional prosecutor Graeme Elmido told the BBC that Markle Jr. was "adamant" the case be investigated because he believed his father "has to answer for it." If charged and convicted, Markle Sr. could face 10 to 12 years in prison under Philippine law.
Background and Family Context
Markle Jr. previously told The Sun he found a stash of abusive images and reported it to local police and the FBI. The United States has an extradition treaty with the Philippines, meaning Markle Sr. could face trial there. He has admitted to paying for sex in the country but denies possessing illegal material. The Duchess of Sussex was reportedly shown a letter sent to Scotland Yard in 2018 containing "troubling" claims against her father, and the Metropolitan Police passed her a 2019 letter with "claims about alleged offending outside the United Kingdom." Meghan became estranged from her father before her 2018 royal wedding after he staged paparazzi photographs.
