FBI Offers Assistance in Philippine Investigation of Thomas Markle Sr. Child Porn Allegations
The agency will support local authorities and investigate potential U.S. law violations.
The FBI has offered to assist Philippine authorities in their investigation into allegations of child pornography against Thomas Markle Sr., the father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. The agency stated it would provide support as appropriate and investigate any related violations of U.S. law, according to a report by TMZ.
Filipino investigators are looking into claims made by Thomas Markle Jr., who alleged that he found "hundreds" of child pornography images at their father's home. Thomas Markle Sr. has denied the allegations, calling them "sick lies."
Meghan Markle previously stated she was made aware of the "troubling and disturbing" claims shortly after her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. She has been estranged from her father since the wedding and said she kept him from meeting her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, "for one reason: to protect them."
Further complicating the situation, a letter sent to Scotland Yard in 2018 reportedly accused Thomas Markle Sr. of child abuse and of admitting to traveling to Thailand and the Philippines to abuse children. The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are conducting internal inquiries to determine if officers passed the letter to Meghan at the time, despite her statement that it was shared with her. The force has stated it has not previously investigated Thomas Markle Sr. and is not currently doing so.
Thomas Markle Sr., who has lived in the U.S. and Mexico and most recently resided in the Philippines before returning to a rehabilitation center in Florida, is recovering from the amputation of his left leg due to a blood clot. He has challenged his son's account of the computer contents, claiming the devices were in transit for months and he had not possessed them since leaving Mexico.
Meghan Markle expressed her distress over the allegations and her hope that justice would be served, prioritizing the safety of children. She stated her trust that authorities were taking protective measures for other families as well.