Thomas Markle Sr Denies Child Image Claims as Philippines Launches Forensic Probe

Thomas Markle Sr, the estranged father of Meghan Markle, is facing a formal digital forensic investigation in the Philippines after his son alleged he possessed thousands of child sexual abuse images. Markle Sr denied the accusations on Thursday from a rehabilitation center in Florida, calling them "sick lies" and stating he was "shocked" by the claims. He is currently recovering from a left leg amputation caused by a blood clot.

The allegations originated from Thomas Markle Jr, who told Philippine detectives that he discovered the images on computers and mobile phones stored in four large boxes at the family home in Cebu. Markle Jr claimed the stash contained "hundreds, if not thousands" of such images. He also reported the matter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which said it would support local authorities and examine any potential violations of US federal law.

Meghan Markle issued a statement through a spokesperson following reports in The Sun. She described herself as "deeply distressed" by the allegations. The Duchess revealed that the Metropolitan Police’s Royalty and Specialist Protection unit, known as Rasp, shared a letter with her in 2018 containing "disturbing allegations" against her father. She stated she was assured the matter was under investigation at the time. Sources indicated she did not speak publicly then to avoid jeopardizing future inquiries or facing legal action.

Markle Sr said the computers had not been in his possession since he left Rosarito, Mexico, in January 2025 to move to the Philippines for a fresh start. He returned to the United States in May after suffering a stroke. His half-sister, Samantha Markle, supported his denial, accusing her brother of fabricating stories to secure money after their father cut off his financial support. She noted the devices were out of their father's control for two years, creating "a lot of room for tampering."

Philippine officials confirmed the case is active. Jonvic Remulla, the interior secretary, stated that national police secured Markle Sr's computer for a full digital forensic examination. He expects results within one week. Nicholas Ty, an undersecretary at the justice department, told the BBC that a human trafficking and child sexual exploitation taskforce in Cebu is handling the investigation. The Metropolitan Police said it is making internal inquiries to confirm whether Rasp officers passed the 2018 letter to the Duchess.

The investigation comes as Markle Sr remains separated from his daughter. He missed her wedding to Prince Harry due to health issues and has never met their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five. Meghan said her decision to limit contact with him was intended to protect them, adding that she hopes justice will be fully served.