By Salma El-Sakka
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has expressed deep distress following allegations involving child sexual abuse images against her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr. In a statement released through a spokesperson, the Duchess revealed that she was made aware of troubling allegations regarding him as early as 2018 via the Metropolitan Police.
Background on the Allegations
The controversy follows claims published by The Sun, citing Thomas Markle Jr., who alleged he discovered a vast collection of child sexual abuse images on computers and mobile phones stored in boxes at his father's former residence in Cebu, Philippines. The allegations suggest the cache could include hundreds or even thousands of images.
Meghan clarified that her decision to maintain distance from her father and prevent him from contacting her children was motivated by a need to protect them. She noted that in 2018, a letter containing these disturbing claims was shared with her by the Metropolitan Police's Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP) unit, and she was assured at the time that the matter was being investigated.
Official Investigations and Denials
Authorities in the Philippines are currently investigating the matter. The Philippine justice department's human trafficking and child sexual exploitation taskforce in Cebu is involved, and national police have reportedly secured computers for digital forensic examination. Additionally, the FBI has stated it is aware of the allegations and will support Philippine authorities while investigating potential federal violations of US law.
Thomas Markle Sr. has vehemently denied the accusations, calling them "sick lies" in an interview with the Daily Mail. Speaking from a rehabilitation center in Florida, he expressed shock and hurt, asserting that the claims are an attempt by his son to destroy him. He also noted that the computers in question had not been in his possession since he moved to the Philippines.
Internal Police Inquiries
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed it is conducting internal inquiries to determine why officers from the RaSP unit were involved in passing a letter to the Duchess in 2018. While the Duchess was informed of the allegations shortly after her wedding, the Met stated it has not previously investigated Thomas Markle Sr. and is not currently conducting an investigation into him.
Meghan’s half-sister, Samantha Markle, has also defended her father, accusing Thomas Markle Jr. of fabricating the allegations for financial gain following a dispute over family funds.
