Child Abuse Image Allegations: Duchess of Sussex Expresses Deep Distress

The Duchess of Sussex has issued a statement describing herself as "deeply distressed" by accusations that her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., possessed child sexual abuse imagery. The response from the Duchess came on Thursday following a report published by The Sun, which detailed claims made by her half-brother regarding items allegedly found at a residence in the Philippines.

The allegations surfaced after Thomas Markle Jr. informed police in Cebu that he had located a collection of images he attributed to his father. According to the report, Markle Jr. told authorities he discovered what he described as "hundreds, if not thousands" of such files stored across computers and mobile phones inside four large boxes. Markle Sr. has categorically rejected these assertions, labeling the accusations as "sick lies" when speaking to the Daily Mail.

In a statement provided by her spokesperson, the Duchess recalled an incident from 2018 when the Metropolitan Police alerted her to "disturbing allegations" involving her father. A letter concerning this matter, addressed to the police force and its Royalty and Specialist Protection unit, was subsequently shared with her. She noted that authorities assured her at the time that the troubling claims were being investigated.

The Duchess further explained that her estrangement from her father, as well as her choice to deny him contact with her children, is rooted in a desire to protect them. "I trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families," she stated, adding that she hopes justice will be fully served and that children's safety remains the priority.

Sources have indicated that the Duchess was unable to address these matters publicly in 2018 because doing so might have jeopardised any future investigation and could have exposed her to legal action. It is understood the Rasp unit passed her the letter shortly after her wedding. The Met has not previously investigated Markle Sr and is not doing so now, it is understood. The force said it is making internal inquiries to confirm whether Rasp officers were involved in passing on the letter.

Thomas Markle Sr. has denied possessing any illicit material, stating that the computers and devices in question have not been in his possession since he left Rosarito, Mexico, with his son in January 2025 to relocate to the Philippines. He asserted, "I could never do what I'm being accused of." Speaking from a rehabilitation center in Florida, where he is recovering from a stroke and a leg amputation, he expressed that he was "shocked" and "hurt" by the allegations.

Philippine officials have confirmed that an investigation is underway regarding the matter. Nicholas Ty, an undersecretary at the justice department, told the BBC that a taskforce in Cebu is handling the case. Interior secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that national police have secured Markle Sr.'s computer for a full digital forensic examination, which he expected to take "one week to get the forensic [results]".

Family members have offered conflicting accounts of the situation. Thomas Markle Jr. reportedly contacted the FBI, which said it will support the Philippine authorities as appropriate and investigate any related allegations of federal violations of US law. Meanwhile, Meghan's half-sister, Samantha Markle, defended their father and accused Markle Jr. of "making up lies" to make money, alleging the claims surfaced just days after their father cut off his funds.

Markle Sr. has been estranged from the duchess since he missed her wedding to Prince Harry on health grounds. He has never met his grandchildren, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five. The Metropolitan Police has not previously investigated Markle Sr and is not doing so currently, though it is making internal inquiries to confirm whether Royalty and Specialist Protection officers were involved in passing on the 2018 letter.