Meghan Markle says she is deeply distressed by allegations against her father

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, said on Friday that she was "deeply distressed" by a report alleging her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., possessed child sexual abuse images. She said police had informed her of the allegations in 2018 and that she has kept her children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, away from their grandfather to protect them.

"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," Meghan said in a statement.

The allegations were first reported by a British tabloid, which said Markle Jr. told police he found hundreds of images at his father's home in the Philippines and submitted a sworn statement. Markle Sr., 82, denied the claims, calling them "sick lies" in a statement to a British newspaper and said he would welcome an investigation.

The Philippines' justice department confirmed the matter is under investigation, while police in Cebu City and London’s Metropolitan Police have not responded to requests for comment. The FBI was also contacted but did not immediately reply.

Meghan added that she was first made aware of a letter sent to British police in the summer of 2018, after her wedding, and that her decision to limit contact with her father was solely to protect her children. She expressed hope that any investigation would be thorough and that the safety of children remains the priority.

A source close to the couple said that at the time the allegations were only known to police, and public comment could have exposed Meghan to civil action and potentially jeopardized the investigation.

Markle Sr. has not spoken to his son for months and maintains that the accusations lack proof. His other daughter, Samantha Markle, also denied the allegations, describing them as unfounded.