The Duchess of Sussex has said she is “deeply distressed” by accusations that her father, Thomas Markle Snr, had a hoard of child sex abuse images.
Allegations and Denial
Meghan’s brother, Thomas Markle Jnr, alleged that he had found a stash of images belonging to her father at his former home in the Philippines, the Sun reported.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Thomas Markle Snr denied possessing child sex images, calling the accusations “sick lies”.
Meghan's Statement
In a statement first reported by the Sun and issued to the Press Association, Meghan 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.”
She added: “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.”
Protection of Children
Meghan said her decision to keep her father from contact with her children was “for one reason: to protect them”. She stated: “I trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families.”
She concluded: “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.”
