Meghan Markle’s Father Under Investigation Over Alleged Child Abuse Images in Cebu

Philippine authorities are investigating Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, following allegations that child sexual abuse material was found among belongings at his former residence in Cebu. Markle, 82, has denied the allegations.

The Philippine National Police is examining a laptop recovered from the property. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said forensic findings were expected within a week and that legal action would depend on sufficient evidence.

The inquiry began after Thomas Markle Jr. reportedly discovered suspected abuse material while clearing out his father’s belongings. Remulla confirmed that the younger Markle provided police with evidence, including a laptop.

Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty confirmed on October 23 that a Cebu task force addressing trafficking and online sexual exploitation of children was investigating. The FBI also said it was aware of the allegations and would provide appropriate assistance to Philippine authorities while examining possible violations of U.S. federal law.

The case has drawn attention to an earlier warning received by British police. London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that a January 2019 letter contained allegations about conduct outside the United Kingdom. Officers shared it with Harry and Meghan’s office but did not forward the claims to other law enforcement agencies. The force is reviewing its handling of the information.

Meghan initially dated the letter to 2018, but subsequent reporting clarified that police contacted her in 2019. She expressed distress over the latest allegations and said her decision to prevent contact between her father and her children was intended to protect them.

Markle, a retired television lighting director, has been estranged from his daughter for years and did not attend her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. He previously lived in Cebu before returning to the United States.