Duchess of Sussex Reacts as Philippine Authorities Launch Probe Into Her Father

The investigation into Thomas Markle by the Department of Justice in the Philippines has prompted a public response from his daughter, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. In a statement released on Friday, the duchess described herself as deeply distressed by the reports that her father is being examined for the alleged possession of child sexual abuse materials.

Meghan indicated that the situation is not new to her, asserting that she had been made aware of troubling claims regarding her father as far back as 2018. She explained that a letter containing these disturbing allegations was sent to the Metropolitan Police and specifically to the Royalty and Specialist Protection unit at that time. The duchess noted that this letter was subsequently shared with her, and she received assurances that the matter was under investigation.

However, records suggest that the Metropolitan Police did not open a formal investigation into Thomas Markle at that time, nor is one currently active. A spokesperson for the force acknowledged media reports indicating that officers from the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command assisted in passing along the 2018 letter. The spokesperson stated that the police are conducting internal inquiries to confirm the details of that process.

The current probe was confirmed by Philippine state media on Friday. The state-run Philippine News Agency posted on Facebook that the Department of Justice is looking into reports concerning an octogenarian American national. The agency reported that a justice official confirmed Thomas Markle Sr. is the subject of the investigation, which is being handled by the department's anti-trafficking task force.

The allegations reportedly stem from a discovery made by Thomas Markle Jr. at the family home in Cebu province. The British tabloid The Sun reported on Thursday that the son informed authorities after finding child abuse materials in storage boxes. The Daily Mail added that Markle Sr. was in the United States receiving treatment for a stroke and blood clot when these items were located. Markle Jr. reportedly first noticed the materials after activating an old cell phone at the residence.

According to the Daily Mail, Markle Sr. has denied the claims, stating that he has never downloaded such materials and dismissing the accusations as sick lies. It is reported that Thomas Jr. contacted an FBI hotline, the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children, and state police in Pennsylvania in July to report the findings.

The duchess also used her statement to address the longstanding estrangement between herself and her father. She clarified that her decision to limit contact was a protective measure for her children. She expressed hope that the public would now understand that despite distortions in media coverage over the years, her distance from her father was driven solely by the desire to protect her children from potential harm.

Meghan concluded her remarks by expressing her sincerest hope that justice will be fully served. She emphasized that the primary focus of the investigation must remain on the safety and protection of innocent children.