By Salma El-Sakka
Philippine authorities have discovered child sexual abuse images among materials seized from the Cebu City home of Thomas Markle, father of the Duchess of Sussex. The Philippine National Police are examining mobile phones, computer hard drives, digital storage cards, and other possessions collected during a raid last month.
Investigation Details
Investigators identified several files containing child sexual abuse material and are working to determine who produced and owned the content, and whether Markle appeared in the imagery. Major General Wilson Asueta of the Philippine National Police confirmed at a press conference that officers found "files consisting of several CSEAM [Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act] materials." A warrant to examine the alleged stash was granted last Thursday. Cebu regional prosecutor Graeme Elmido told the BBC that Markle's son, Thomas Markle Jr., was "adamant" the case be investigated.
Son's Allegations and Father's Denial
Markle Jr. reportedly discovered "hundreds" of child sex images left behind when his 82-year-old father moved from the Philippines earlier this year. He told The Sun he was "horrified" and had "no option" but to report his father, adding he would never speak to him again unless called to give evidence. Thomas Markle, who returned to the US after suffering a stroke and blood clot that led to the amputation of his left leg, has strongly denied the accusations, calling them a "bunch of lies." He said he was "shocked, hurt, and very upset" by his son's allegations. A second stash of abusive images was also reportedly found in a storage unit Markle rented near his former home in Rosarito, Mexico.
Meghan Markle's Response
The Duchess of Sussex, estranged from her father since 2018, said she is "deeply distressed" by the allegations. In a statement, she expressed her thoughts were with any children who may have been harmed and revealed she had sent a letter to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection in 2018 making "troubling and disturbing allegations" against her father. She said she was given assurances the matter was being investigated. She added that her distance from her father and decision to prevent contact with her children was to protect them. She reportedly wrote to her father last year stating she knew about the claims and would never allow him to meet his grandchildren.
Further Developments
The Metropolitan Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over its handling of the allegations after admitting it passed a letter to the Sussexes without notifying other law enforcement agencies at the time. According to The Sun, Markle was moved to a specialist care home for dementia patients in Florida on Friday.
