LONDON | October 25, 2026 | Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has expressed deep distress over allegations that child sexual abuse images were found at the former home of her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., in Cebu, Philippines, as Philippine authorities investigate the claims and questions emerge over how British police handled earlier allegations.
In a statement released on Friday, October 23, Meghan said her thoughts were with children who may have been harmed and expressed hope that justice would be served, with the safety and protection of children remaining the priority.
The allegations emerged after Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., reportedly said he discovered a collection of images while clearing out their father’s former residence. He said he reported the discovery to authorities. The reported contents have not been independently verified publicly, and no court has established criminal wrongdoing by Markle Sr.
The Philippine Department of Justice confirmed that the matter was under investigation, according to reporting by the Philippine News Agency, the government’s official news service. Justice officials indicated that the department’s task force responsible for addressing online sexual abuse and exploitation of children was examining the allegations. The government has not publicly announced a final finding in the case.
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation also said it was aware of the allegations and would support Philippine authorities as appropriate while examining any potential violations of US federal law, according to statements reported by international media.
Markle Sr., 82, has denied the allegations, describing them as false. He has also said the computers reportedly connected to the discovery had not been in his possession for an extended period. The claims and his denial remain subject to investigation.
The case has also raised questions about a letter sent to London’s Metropolitan Police in 2018 or received in January 2019 containing allegations concerning Meghan’s father. Meghan said the letter was subsequently shared with her and that she had been assured the claims were being investigated.
On Saturday, October 24, the Metropolitan Police confirmed receiving a letter containing claims about alleged offending outside the United Kingdom. The force said its Protection Command passed the letter to the office of Prince Harry and Meghan but did not share the details with other law enforcement agencies. It said it was reviewing its handling of the matter and considering whether to refer it to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Meghan said her decision to remain estranged from her father and prevent him from having contact with her children was intended to protect them. Their relationship deteriorated in the period leading up to her May 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, which Thomas Markle Sr. did not attend.
The investigation comes as the Philippines continues to strengthen its response to online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Republic Act No. 11930, enacted in 2022, criminalizes online sexual abuse or exploitation of children and the production, distribution and possession of child sexual abuse or exploitation materials under the circumstances defined by law.
The Department of Justice has since expanded inter-agency initiatives to improve investigations and prosecutions involving such offenses. Authorities have yet to publicly establish the facts surrounding the allegations against Markle Sr., and any determination of criminal responsibility must await the results of the investigation and relevant legal proceedings.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
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