U.S. Department of Justice investigates Thomas Markle Sr. for alleged child pornography

Philippine investigators have secured a warrant to examine electronic devices and other materials that were turned over to police by Thomas Markle Jr., the son of Meghan Markle's father, Thomas Markle Sr. The Department of Justice’s Office of the Regional Prosecutor VII said that "appropriate legal action may be pursued" once the examination is complete, but cautioned that at this stage it cannot determine whether charges will be filed.

According to the regional prosecutor, authorities must first establish sufficient evidence to identify any person who may be held liable. The Cebu Police Women and Children Protection Unit is conducting the search, which follows allegations that thousands of child sexual abuse images were found in four boxes at Thomas Sr.'s residence in the Philippines.

Thomas Markle Jr., 60, told the Sun that he discovered the material while looking for a phone belonging to his father's younger Filipino girlfriend. He said he reported the findings to police and indicated he would not speak to his father unless called as a witness.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, confirmed she learned of the allegations in 2019 from a letter sent by her father's late first wife to London police. She said the letter alleged sexual abuse of a child and trips to the Philippines and Thailand for such conduct. The Duchess added that she has kept distance from her father to protect her children and hopes the investigation will ensure the safety of children.

Thomas Markle Sr., who resides in a Florida rehabilitation center after a recent amputation, has denied the accusations, calling them "the worst thing anyone could accuse [him] of." His other daughter, Samantha Markle, also rejected the claims, suggesting the evidence could have been tampered with and asserting there is no proof he downloaded any illegal images.