Meghan Markle has spoken out after reports emerged that her father, Thomas Markle, is being investigated over allegations involving child sexual abuse images.
Keep reading to learn more.
The Allegations against Meghan Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle, state that he possessed or shared private images. The claims have not been established, and Thomas has denied possessing the images.
According to sources and a report from the Sun, Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., claimed he found a collection of images at their father’s former home in the Philippines. The images are allegedly sensitive and include minors.
Meghan has spoken out about the situation, but the allegations should not be treated as proven. Her statement focused on the wellbeing of children and her hope that the authorities would pursue the matter appropriately.
The Duchess of Sussex said she was “deeply distressed” by the news and expressed concern for any children who may have been harmed.
The allegations have brought renewed attention to Meghan’s long-standing estrangement from her father and to her explanation for keeping him away from her children.
Meghan said she had been made aware of troubling allegations years ago
In a statement to Sky News, Meghan said she was informed about a letter sent in 2018 to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection.
The letter, she said, contained disturbing allegations about her father and was later shared with her.
“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,” she said.
Meghan added that she had been assured the allegations were being investigated. It is not known whether the letter reached authorities before her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018.
The Duchess said keeping her father away from her children was about protecting them
Meghan also addressed years of media coverage about her relationship with Thomas, saying that her decision to remain estranged had been misrepresented.
She said she hoped the latest reports would help people understand why she had chosen not to allow her father contact with her children.
“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.
Meghan Markle added that she had trusted authorities to protect other families as well.
She ended her statement by saying she hoped justice would be served and that the safety of children would remain the priority.
The allegations reported against Thomas remain allegations. He has denied possessing the images, calling the allegations ‘sick lies’, and the supplied report does not establish that he has been found guilty of any offence.
Meghan and Thomas have been estranged since her wedding in 2018
The father and daughter became estranged in the run-up to Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry, after Thomas was caught staging paparazzi photographs.
He did not attend the ceremony. Instead, King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, accompanied Meghan down the aisle.
Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, was the only member of her family present.
Their relationship has remained strained in the years since, with Thomas occasionally speaking publicly about his daughter and their separation.
Thomas reportedly moved to the Philippines before later relocating to Florida
According to the report, Thomas moved to the Philippines in 2025 after suffering several strokes.
In December of that year, Meghan reportedly contacted him by letter after he underwent an amputation of his left leg. Thomas had told a newspaper he did not want to die while still estranged from his daughter.
He is now reportedly living in a rehabilitation centre in Florida.
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