Meghan says she is distressed by father's child abuse material investigation in Philippines

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, said she is "deeply distressed" by reports that her father, Thomas Markle, is being investigated by Philippine authorities for alleged possession of child sexual abuse material. In a statement to CBS News, she noted that she has known of the allegations since 2018 and that a letter outlining the claims was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection at that time. The statement added that she was given assurances the matter was being investigated.

Meghan said she has deliberately kept her father at a distance to protect her children, emphasizing that the decision was made solely for their safety. "I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications' distortion over the years, any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children, was for one reason: to protect them," she said.

The Sun reported that Thomas Markle Jr. discovered the alleged material in storage boxes at his father's home in the Philippines and reported it to U.S. authorities. The Daily Mail quoted Thomas Markle Sr. denying the allegations, stating, "I have never downloaded anything like that in my life," and describing the claims as "sick lies."

Philippine state media confirmed that the Department of Justice is investigating reports involving an octogenarian American national who left child abuse videos and photos in his home in Cebu province. A justice official said the anti-trafficking task force is handling the case.

Meghan concluded her statement by expressing hope that justice will be served and that the focus remains on the safety and protection of innocent children.