Meghan Markle says she received 2018 police letter about father's alleged images

Meghan Markle stated she is deeply distressed by claims that her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., possessed child sexual abuse images. The Duchess made this known through a spokesperson following a report by The Sun newspaper. The report detailed allegations from her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., who claims to have found a large collection of images at their father's former home in the Philippines.

Thomas Markle Jr., 60, told detectives in the Philippines that he discovered hundreds, if not thousands, of such images. The digital files were stored on computers and mobile phones kept in four large boxes. These items were located at the family residence in Cebu, where Thomas Markle Sr. lived until returning to the United States in May following a stroke.

Meghan revealed that the Metropolitan Police made her aware of disturbing allegations against her father in 2018. She explained that a letter sent to the Met and its Royalty and Specialist Protection unit, known as Rasp, was later shared with her. The document contained troubling allegations and indicated that authorities were investigating the matter.

Sources indicated that Meghan could not speak publicly in 2018 because doing so might have jeopardized any future investigation. It is understood that the Rasp unit passed the letter to her shortly after her wedding. The Metropolitan Police has not previously investigated Thomas Markle Sr. and is not currently conducting an investigation into him. The force stated it is making internal inquiries to confirm whether Rasp officers were involved in passing on the letter.

The Duchess said any distance from her father and her decision not to allow him contact with her children served one purpose: to protect them. She stated that she trusted the authorities were doing the same for other families. Meghan added that she hopes justice will be fully served and that children's safety remains the priority in this matter.

Philippine officials confirmed the matter is under investigation. Nicholas Ty, an undersecretary at the justice department, told the BBC that a human trafficking and child sexual exploitation taskforce in Cebu is handling the case. Interior secretary Jonvic Remulla said national police have secured Thomas Markle Sr.'s computer for a full digital forensic examination. He expected to receive the forensic results within one week.

Thomas Markle Jr. also reportedly contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI said it will support Philippine authorities as appropriate and investigate any related allegations of federal violations of US law. The brother's claim that the stash belonged to their father has triggered a global inquiry into the digital evidence found in the Philippines.

Thomas Markle Sr. denied the claims, telling the Daily Mail the accusations are sick lies. Speaking from a rehabilitation center in Florida, he said he is learning to walk with a prosthetic limb after his left leg was amputated due to a blood clot. He described himself as shocked and hurt, stating he could never do what he is being accused of. He noted the computers had not been in his possession since he left Rosarito, Mexico, in January 2025.

Meghan's half-sister, Samantha Markle, defended their father and accused Thomas Markle Jr. of making up lies to make money. She alleged the claims emerged days after their father cut off his funds. She also pointed out that the computers were out of his possession for two years, arguing that leaves a lot of room for tampering.

Thomas Markle Sr. has been estranged from the Duchess since he missed her wedding to Prince Harry on health grounds. He has never met his grandchildren, Prince Archie, who is seven, and Princess Lilibet, who is five. The digital forensic examination of the secured computer is now the central focus of the Philippine investigation.