Meghan expresses distress over allegations against father as Philippine authorities investigate

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, expressed distress in comments reported on October 23, 2026, over allegations that her father possessed child sexual abuse images at a former home in Cebu, in the Philippines. Thomas Markle Sr denied possessing the material, while Philippine authorities said an investigation was under way.¹²

Allegations and a denial

The Guardian, citing reporting by The Sun, said Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr, alleged that he had discovered images belonging to their father. In that account, he told detectives that four large boxes at the Cebu property held computers and mobile phones containing hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of images.¹

Markle Sr rejected the accusations. The Guardian reported that he said the computers had been outside his possession since he departed Rosarito, Mexico, in January 2025. “I could never do what I’m being accused of,” he said. His denial concerns both the alleged possession of the images and the conduct attributed to him.¹

The Guardian also reported that Markle Jr had contacted the FBI. That reported contact forms part of the account of his allegations; the investigation described by Philippine officials is being handled by a taskforce in Cebu dealing with human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children.¹

Forensic examination

Nicholas Ty, an undersecretary in the Philippine justice department, confirmed that the matter was under investigation. Interior secretary Jonvic Remulla said the country’s police had taken custody of Markle Sr’s computer so it could undergo a comprehensive digital forensic analysis. According to The Guardian, Remulla said obtaining the forensic findings would take a week.¹

Earlier warning to British authorities

Meghan’s account also referred to allegations communicated to British authorities in 2018. Associated Press reported that a letter containing allegations about her father was sent to London police that year and subsequently shared with her. According to The New York Times, Meghan said the letter addressed to royal protection officers affected her choice not to allow him contact with her children.²³

“I was given assurances that these were being investigated,” Meghan said, according to The Guardian. In her response to the latest reports, she also expressed concern for children who might have suffered harm. Her account links her earlier awareness of allegations to decisions about family contact, while Philippine officials have described an investigation into the newly reported matter.¹³