Meghan Markle's estranged father, Thomas Markle Snr, is at the centre of a police investigation after a photograph allegedly showing him abusing an underage girl was found among a stash of indecent images at his home in the Philippines. The Duchess of Sussex is said to be 'utterly devastated' by the claims, which reportedly involve 'hundreds, if not thousands' of child abuse images.
Meghan's statement on estrangement
In a statement released yesterday, Meghan, 45, revealed that similar accusations were the reason she cut off contact with her father after her wedding to Prince Harry in summer 2018. She said she was made aware of 'disturbing allegations' about him in a letter to Scotland Yard and was 'assured' they were being investigated.
A source close to the duchess told The Sun: 'As a mum of young children herself, she is utterly devastated by all of this. Above all, her thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed. Their welfare and protection have to come first. After so many years of living with deeply troubling concerns, there is also a real sense of relief that these matters are now being properly investigated.'
Brother hands over material to police
Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jnr, 60, is said to have handed four boxes of material to police following the 'sickening' discovery at their father's home. He 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.'
The alleged stash included an old 35mm film negative showing a man said to resemble Thomas Markle Snr on a bed with an Asian girl, according to The Sun, which first broke the story.
Authorities respond
Nicholas Ty, undersecretary for the Philippines Department of Justice, told ITV News: 'Our Anti-Trafficking and Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children taskforce in Cebu is currently investigating the matter.' The FBI said in a statement: '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 US law.'
Thomas Markle Snr denied possessing child sex images in an interview with the Daily Mail, calling the accusations 'sick lies'. He said: '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. 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.'
Thomas Sr's eldest daughter, Samantha Markle, has defended her father and accused Thomas Jr of 'making up lies' for money.
Background and current status
Meghan became estranged from her father, a former TV lighting director, in the run-up to her 2018 royal wedding after he was caught staging paparazzi photographs. Mr Markle did not attend the wedding, leaving the King to accompany Meghan down the aisle, and the only member of her family present was her mother, Doria Ragland. Meghan was the only child of Mr Markle's marriage to Ms Ragland, though he has two children, Samantha and Thomas Jr, from an earlier marriage.
In 2025, Mr Markle moved to the Philippines for a new life after suffering a series of strokes. In December of that year, he had his leg amputated during life-saving surgery. Meghan 'reached out' to him after the operation, a spokesperson for the duchess revealed, and she was also said to have tried to do so previously. He is reportedly now living in a rehab centre in Florida, where he is learning to walk again. Buckingham Palace and the Philippine Department of Justice have been contacted for comment.
