Thomas Markle Under Investigation for Child Pornography Allegations

Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan Markle, is reportedly under investigation for possession of child pornography discovered in his home in the Philippines. The allegations surfaced in a report by The Sun, which states that his son, Thomas Markle Jr., found the materials and turned them over to local police.

Thomas Sr., 82, has vehemently denied the accusations, calling them "sick lies" and expressing shock and hurt over his son's claims. He told the Daily Mail that he could not possibly be accused of such an act.

Meghan Markle, 45, stated that she cut ties with her father in 2018, the same year she married Prince Harry, to "protect" their future children. She revealed that police had informed her of "troubling and disturbing" allegations against her father at the time. In a statement to Page Six, the Duchess of Sussex said she was shown a letter sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection detailing these claims, which she was assured were being investigated. She expressed that any distance between her and her father, and her decision to prevent him from contacting their children, was solely for their protection.

Samantha Markle, Meghan's half-sister, has defended their father, accusing their brother Thomas Jr. of fabricating the allegations for financial gain and revenge. She described the claims as baseless and called her brother "disgusting" for making them.

Thomas Markle Sr. had previously spoken in March about dating his much-younger nurse, Rio Canedo, 46, whom he met while recovering from leg amputation surgery in the Philippines. He expressed finding renewed happiness in the relationship.

Meghan and Prince Harry have two children, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5. The investigation into Thomas Markle Sr. adds another layer to the already strained relationship between the Duchess of Sussex and her father.