Meghan Says Estrangement From Father Was to Protect Her Children Amid Disturbing Allegations

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has expressed deep distress following allegations that her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr, possessed images depicting child sexual abuse, saying her decision to keep him away from her children was motivated by their protection.

In a statement released on Friday, October 23, Meghan revealed that she was informed of troubling allegations against her father in 2018 after a letter was sent to London’s Metropolitan Police and its Royalty and Specialist Protection unit.

The letter was subsequently shared with her, and she said she had been assured that the allegations were being investigated.

“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 said.

The latest allegations were reported by The Sun, citing Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr, who reportedly told authorities in the Philippines that he discovered a large collection of suspected child sexual abuse images on computers and mobile phones at their father’s former residence in Cebu.

Philippine authorities have confirmed that the matter is under investigation, with police securing a computer for digital forensic examination.

Thomas Markle Sr has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as “sick lies”. He told the Daily Mail that the computers had not been in his possession since he left Mexico in January 2025.

Meghan said her decision to distance herself from her father and prevent him from having contact with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was intended to protect them.

“I trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families,” she said, adding that she hoped justice would be served and that children’s safety would remain the priority.

The Metropolitan Police has said it is making internal inquiries into the handling of the 2018 letter. The force has not confirmed an investigation into Thomas Markle Sr.