Meghan Markle says she is deeply distressed by child abuse image allegations against father

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, said she is "deeply distressed" by recent accusations that her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., possessed child sexual abuse images. She said the Metropolitan Police had informed her of "troubling and disturbing allegations" in a 2018 letter that was later shared with her.

"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," the duchess said in a statement released through her spokesperson.

The claims were first reported after her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., told detectives in the Philippines that he had found a large quantity of such images on computers and mobile phones stored at their father's former home in Cebu. Markle Jr. also said he had contacted the U.S. FBI.

Thomas Markle Sr. denied the allegations, describing them as "sick lies" in an interview with the Daily Mail. He said the devices were no longer in his possession after he left Mexico in January 2025 and moved to the Philippines for a fresh start. Speaking from a rehabilitation centre in Florida, where he is recovering from a leg amputation, he said, "I’m shocked, I’m hurt and I am very upset that my son is making these accusations against me. I could never do what I’m being accused of. This is bullshit. It’s just a bunch of lies. It’s sick. I have no idea why Tom is trying to destroy me with these lies."

The Metropolitan Police’s royalty and specialist protection unit confirmed that the 2018 letter had been shared with Meghan Markle, and that the allegations were under investigation. Markle has previously kept a distance from her father, citing concerns for the safety of her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.