Meghan Markle has issued a public statement addressing allegations that her father, Thomas Markle Sr., possessed child sexual abuse material, saying the accusations confirm why she has kept her children away from him for years.
The allegations surfaced in a report published Thursday by The Sun, which said Thomas Markle Jr., the Duchess of Sussex’s half-brother, accused their father of possessing the material. Thomas Jr. said he found it in Thomas Sr.’s home in Cebu, Philippines, and reported it to police and the FBI.
Meghan responded in a statement shared with Fox News Digital on Friday.
“I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed,” the statement said.
Meghan said a letter raising concerns about her father was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection in 2018, and that the letter was later shared with her.
“It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father, and I was given assurances that these were being investigated,” she said. “I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications’ distortion over the years, any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children, was for one reason: to protect them. I trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families.”
She added: “Although the breadth of what has now been uncovered is more sickening than one could ever imagine, my sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children.”
London’s Metropolitan Police said it is not investigating Thomas Markle Sr. but is conducting an internal review of how it handled the 2018 letter, according to The Independent.
Meghan shares two children with Prince Harry, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5. Thomas Markle Sr. has never met either child.
Federal and Philippine Authorities Respond
The FBI National Press Office told Fox News Digital Friday that the bureau would assist authorities in the Philippines.
“The FBI is aware of the allegations and will provide support, as appropriate, to the Philippine authorities. We will also investigate any related allegations of federal violations of U.S. law,” the bureau said.
Philippine Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty confirmed Friday, according to Reuters, that a task force investigating human trafficking and online child sexual abuse in Cebu “is currently investigating the matter.”
Thomas Markle Sr. Denies the Accusations
Thomas Markle Sr. told the Daily Mail Friday that the allegations are false.
“I’m shocked, I’m hurt and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me. I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of,” he said. “This is bulls—. It’s just a bunch of lies. It’s sick. I have no idea why Tom is trying to destroy me with these lies.”
Son Describes What He Found
Thomas Markle Jr. told The Sun he discovered suspected child sexual abuse material in four large boxes containing what he estimated were hundreds, if not thousands, of images, as well as videos depicting girls as young as 10 or 11 engaged in sexual acts. He said he also found four images of nude girls, one of which appeared to have been taken at his father’s former home in Rosarito, Mexico.
“What I saw made me sick to the stomach. All this stuff was just dumped on me, and I didn’t know what to do. I knew right away it was highly illegal and would land me in jail for a long time if I didn’t get rid of it. I felt betrayed, angry and disgusted and realized I had to report him,” Thomas Jr. told The Sun. “When I found this material, I was horrified, and I had no option but to report my dad.”
Thomas Jr. said he reported the material to the FBI hotline and the Pennsylvania State Police. The Sun reported that the FBI confirmed receipt of the allegations and is preparing to launch its own investigation.
“I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years, but that stops now,” Thomas Jr. said. “I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him.”
Thomas Jr. has cared for his 82-year-old father for several years, including during his recovery from a stroke in 2022.
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