Meghan Markle, the wife of Prince Harry, said on Friday that she was “deeply distressed” by allegations that images depicting child sexual abuse had been discovered at her father’s former residence in the Philippines. She also revealed that a letter containing “troubling allegations” against her father had been sent to London police in 2018.The Duchess of Sussex issued the statement following a report by british tabloid The Sun, which said her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., had discovered the images while clearing out the former home of their father, Thomas Markle Sr., in Cebu, Philippines.“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,” Meghan said.
Meghan refers to 2018 letter sent to London police
In her statement, Meghan also addressed a letter sent to the metropolitan police service’s Royal and specialist protection unit in 2018. She said the letter contained allegations against her father and that she had subsequently been assured the matter was being investigated, according to the news agency AP.“It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated,” she said.Meghan added that her decision to remain estranged from her father and prevent him from having contact with her children was motivated by their safety.“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,” she said.The duchess expressed hope that the latest developments would lead to justice and that the welfare of children would remain the priority.“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,” she said.
Brother alleges discovery of explicit material
According to The Sun, Thomas Markle Jr. recently discovered what he described as “hundreds, if not thousands” of images depicting child sexual abuse in boxes at his father’s former home in Cebu while clearing the property.Markle Jr. told the newspaper that he had reported the alleged discovery to Philippine police and contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States.“I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years — but that stops now,” Markle Jr. was quoted as saying. “I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him.”Melvin Matibag, director of the Philippines’ National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), told The Associated Press that the FBI had requested assistance in examining the allegations made by Markle Jr. against his father.Matibag said the FBI’s Manila office had forwarded a letter from Markle Jr. to several Philippine law enforcement agencies, including the NBI’s Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Division.The letter reportedly described materials that “appear to depict children/minors in sexually explicit or exploitative circumstances”.According to Matibag, Markle Jr. had indicated that he was willing to surrender the alleged material to authorities. An affidavit also stated that his father was living in an assisted living facility in Florida, United States.Matibag did not confirm whether the suspected material had been handed over to Philippine authorities. He added that the FBI had asked to be informed once any potential victims were identified.Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla separately told the AP that the country’s national police were also investigating the allegations, but did not provide further details.
Thomas Markle denies allegations
Thomas Markle Sr., 82, denied the accusations in comments to the Daily Mail, saying he was shocked and upset by his son’s claims.“I’m shocked, I’m hurt and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me,” he was quoted as saying. “I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of.”Markle Sr., a retired television lighting and photography director, had been living in the Philippines earlier this year when he suffered a stroke and underwent an amputation of his left leg. He subsequently returned to the United States.
Meghan’s strained relationship with her father
Meghan, an American former actor best known for her role in the television drama Suits, married Prince Harry at Windsor Castle in 2018. The couple have two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.Thomas Markle Sr. did not attend their wedding, prompting extensive media coverage of the breakdown in his relationship with his daughter. Some reports had portrayed Meghan’s estrangement from her father as a consequence of her entry into the British royal family.In her latest statement, Meghan reiterated that keeping her father away from her children was a decision made to protect them.The allegations reported by The Sun remain subject to investigation, and Thomas Markle Sr. has denied the claims made against him.
