Meghan Claims 2018 Police Letter Warned of Father's Suspected Abuse Images

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, stated on October 23 that she is deeply distressed by new allegations that her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., possessed child sexual abuse images. Her spokesperson issued the statement following reports that her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., found a large collection of such images at their father's former home in the Philippines. Markle Sr has denied the claims, describing them as sick lies.

The duchess revealed that the Metropolitan Police made her aware of disturbing allegations against her father in 2018. She said a letter sent to the Met and its Royalty and Specialist Protection unit, known as Rasp, was shared with her shortly after her wedding. The letter contained troubling allegations, and she was assured that authorities were investigating the matter.

Meghan explained that her decision to limit her father’s contact with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was intended to protect them. She noted that she trusted authorities were doing the same for other families. She added that she hopes justice will be fully served and that children's safety remains the priority.

Sources indicate that Meghan could not speak publicly in 2018 because doing so might have jeopardized future investigations or exposed her to legal action. The Rasp unit passed the letter to her around the time of her wedding. The Metropolitan Police has not previously investigated Markle Sr and is not currently doing so. The force is conducting internal inquiries to confirm whether Rasp officers were involved in passing the letter.

Thomas Markle Jr., 60, told detectives in the Philippines that he found hundreds, if not thousands, of images on computers and mobile phones. The devices were stored in four large boxes at the family home in Cebu. Markle Sr lived in that location until returning to the United States in May following a stroke. Markle Jr. also contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which said it will support Philippine authorities and investigate any federal violations of US law.

Philippine officials confirmed that the matter is under active investigation. Nicholas Ty, an undersecretary at the justice department, stated that a human trafficking and child sexual exploitation taskforce in Cebu is handling the case. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said national police secured Markle Sr's computer for a full digital forensic examination. He expected the results within one week.

From a rehabilitation center in Florida, Markle Sr. described himself as shocked and hurt. He is learning to walk with a prosthetic limb after his left leg was amputated due to a blood clot. Telling the Daily Mail, he said he could never do what he is being accused of. He claimed the computers were not in his possession since he left Rosarito, Mexico, with his son in January 2025 and moved to the Philippines for a fresh start.

Meghan’s half-sister, Samantha Markle, defended their father and accused Markle Jr. of making up lies to make money. She alleged the claims emerged days after their father cut off his funds. Samantha Markle noted that the computers were out of Markle Sr.'s possession for two years, saying that leaves a lot of room for tampering.

Markle Sr. has been estranged from Meghan since he missed her wedding to Prince Harry on health grounds. He has never met his grandchildren, Prince Archie, who is seven, and Princess Lilibet, who is five.