Meghan Markle has publicly responded to allegations that her father, Thomas Markle, is being investigated by police for the possession of child abuse images. The Duchess of Sussex said she is "deeply distressed" by the reports and expressed concern for any children who may have been harmed.
Allegations Reported by The Sun
The Duchess's estranged father, who lives in the Philippines, is alleged to have an extensive collection of illegal images discovered by Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr, according to a report in The Sun. Mr Markle Jr told police he found "hundreds, if not thousands" of child sex abuse images in four large boxes at his father's home in Cebu, amongst family keepsakes.
In her statement, the Duchess said: "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. In 2018, a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection. That letter was subsequently shared with me.
"It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated.
"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.
"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."
Police and FBI Involvement
Police in the Philippines are reportedly preparing to seize the evidence. The FBI is said to be looking into opening an investigation in the US, where Meghan's 82-year-old father resided after having a leg amputation last year. No statement from either force has been given yet.
Mr Markle Jr, 60, told the newspaper he has submitted a sworn statement to child abuse police in the Philippines, and said: "When I found this material I was horrified and I had no option but to report my dad. I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years – but that stops now. I won't speak to my father ever again unless I'm called to give evidence against him."
