Thomas Markle Allegedly Told Ex-Wife He Traveled to Far East for Sex with Minors

Authorities in the Philippines are investigating allegations against Thomas Markle, the 82-year-old father of Meghan Markle, concerning a trove of child abuse images. The investigation was reportedly prompted by his son, Thomas Markle Jr., who alerted authorities after discovering what he described as "vile" child sex images and videos on a computer and phones in a shared storage space.

Philippines Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla stated that forensic analysis of the data is ongoing and is expected within a week. He indicated that "all signs point to a possible sex offender of the grossest kind," though Mr. Markle denies the allegations.

A newly uncovered seven-page letter, allegedly written by Mr. Markle's ex-wife Roslyn Loveless and sent to the Metropolitan Police in 2019, claims Mr. Markle admitted to traveling to the Philippines and Thailand because "12-year-olds are legal there." Ms. Loveless, who died two years ago, reportedly detailed a conversation with Mr. Markle in the letter. The letter was addressed to Scotland Yard's Fixated Threat Assessment Centre, which monitors threats to the Royal Family, and reportedly accused Mr. Markle of being a threat to his daughter and Prince Harry. The Metropolitan Police reportedly did not investigate the claims as they occurred outside the UK.

Mr. Markle, who moved to the Philippines in January for a "fresh start," has denied the accusations, stating, "I am not. I am innocent. I never did anything in the Philippines." He told the Daily Mail that his computers had not been in his possession since he left Mexico with his son and moved to the Philippines. He did confess to paying for sex in the Philippines but maintained he has "never had sex with anyone under the age of 18" and has "always dated age-appropriate women."

Thomas Markle Jr. stated he found the material in storage boxes and felt compelled to report his father. He expressed remorse to his sister, Meghan, and described his father as a "monster."

Meghan Markle learned of the child sex allegations in 2019 after being contacted by the Metropolitan Police. She stated she was assured the allegations were being investigated and was advised that speaking out could jeopardize any legal case. The Met Police acknowledged failing to pass on details of alleged offending outside the UK to other law enforcement agencies and is considering reporting itself to its regulator.

According to The Sun, Thomas Markle Jr. reported his father to Filipino detectives and the FBI, with both agencies investigating. The collection of alleged images and videos reportedly includes material of girls as young as ten.

Mr. Markle's other daughter, Samantha, suggested the material could have been "planted," noting that the boxes containing his computers and phones were in storage and potentially accessible to others.

Meghan Markle has expressed "deep distress" over the allegations, stating, "My thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed."