Meghan Markle Distressed by Allegations About Father

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, stated on Friday that she is “deeply distressed” by reports that child sexual abuse images were discovered at her father’s former residence. She also disclosed that a letter detailing “troubling allegations” about her father was sent to London police in 2018.

The allegations surfaced after The Sun, a British tabloid, reported that Meghan’s brother found the images while clearing out the home of their father, Thomas Markle Sr., in the 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 in a statement.

She further addressed the letter sent to the Metropolitan Police Service’s Royal and Specialist Protection unit, which subsequently shared its contents with her. “It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated,” Meghan stated. “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.”

Meghan, an American citizen known for her role in the U.S. television drama “Suits,” married Prince Harry in 2018. They have two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Thomas Markle Sr., a retired television lighting and photography director, did not attend the wedding. This absence led to extensive coverage in the British media regarding Meghan’s estrangement from her father. While some reports suggested she had distanced herself due to her royal status, Meghan indicated her decision was made to safeguard her children.

“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,” Meghan added in her statement.

Thomas Markle Sr. was living in the Philippines earlier this year before suffering a stroke and having his left leg amputated, which necessitated his return to the U.S.

The Sun reported that Thomas Markle Jr. recently discovered “hundreds, if not thousands” of child sex abuse images in boxes at his father’s former home in the Philippine city of Cebu while clearing the property. Markle Jr. reportedly informed the police in the Philippines and contacted the FBI in the U.S. regarding the images.

“I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years — but that stops now,” Markle Jr. told The Sun. “I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him.”