The FBI is expected to search two storage units in Los Angeles that were rented by Thomas Markle Sr., the father of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. The units reportedly contain personal mementos and belongings of both Thomas Markle Sr. and his daughter. The potential for child abuse material to be found stems from ongoing investigations in Mexico and the Philippines.
Thomas Markle Jr., Meghan's half-brother, allegedly informed the FBI of the existence and location of these two storage units in Los Angeles. He told The Sun that his father had mentioned the units around 2011, stating they were "stuffed to the brim" with Meghan's old furniture and possessions from her time at Northwestern University, as well as memorabilia from his Hollywood career.
"I dread to think what the FBI might find, especially given what has already been found in the Philippines and Mexico," Thomas Markle Jr. was quoted as saying. He reportedly spent two hours being interviewed by the FBI.
Authorities in the Philippines are reportedly close to filing formal charges against Thomas Markle Sr. after allegedly discovering "explicit content," including footage of minors, on digital devices found at his apartment in Cebu. Philippine police obtained a warrant to search four storage boxes belonging to Markle Sr., and investigators found "Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material," described as videos of minors and non-minors engaged in sexual activities, as well as explicit materials.
In Mexico, authorities raided a storage unit previously rented by Markle Sr. in Rosarito after the Daily Mail reported discovering a stash of indecent images of children there. The FBI was alerted to this find.
Thomas Markle Sr. has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them "sick lies" and suggesting he was "set up." He admitted to paying for sex in the Philippines but insisted it was only with adult prostitutes. He has since moved to a care home in Florida specializing in dementia care.
The FBI's interest in the Los Angeles storage units follows a letter from Markle Sr.'s late ex-wife, Roslyn Loveless, sent in January 2019, which contained allegations about him. Scotland Yard referred itself to the independent police watchdog for its handling of this letter, which was also shared with Meghan and Prince Harry.
Meghan Markle has been estranged from her father for years. She previously stated she was "deeply distressed" by the allegations against him.