Police in the Philippines have confirmed they are investigating Thomas Markle Sr, the father of Meghan Markle, over allegations that he was in possession of child sexual abuse images. The investigation is being carried out by a specialist task force on the island of Cebu, according to the country's justice undersecretary Nicholas Ty.
Investigation underway in Cebu
Ty reportedly confirmed the probe, saying: "Our Anti-Trafficking and Anti-OSAEC (online sexual abuse and exploitation of children) task force in Cebu is currently investigating the matter." The statement was reported by multiple outlets, including the Philippine News Agency.
Philippine interior minister Jonvic Remulla reportedly said that Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jnr, had provided police with evidence, including a laptop, following his allegations against their father. Thomas Markle Jr reported their father to the authorities after claiming to have discovered hundreds, if not thousands, of child sex abuse images among belongings at their father's former home in Cebu.
Met Police not investigating
Meanwhile, London's Metropolitan Police has not and is not currently investigating Thomas Markle Sr. Officers say they are carrying out an internal inquiry to confirm that the force's royal protection unit passed on a 2018 letter to the Duchess of Sussex containing "troubling and disturbing allegations" against her father.
Thomas Markle Sr has categorically denied the accusations, branding them "sick lies" in comments to the Daily Mail.
Meghan's statement
Meghan, who has been estranged from her father since before her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, revealed she had been made aware of allegations against him eight years ago. She 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."
The Duchess also suggested the allegations were behind her decision to prevent her father having contact with her children, Archie and Lilibet. She added: "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."
Denials from family
Thomas Jnr previously told The Sun: "When I found this material I was horrified and I had no option but to report my dad."
However, Thomas Sr has fiercely denied the allegations, telling the Daily Mail: "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."
Meghan's half-sister Samantha has also defended their father, claiming the computers in question had been out of his possession for two years and describing the allegations as unsubstantiated.
