An investigation has been launched in the Philippines into 82-year-old Thomas Markle, the father of the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, on suspicion of possessing material depicting child sexual abuse. According to law enforcement officials, such material and a laptop were found at his former home in Cebu City; the laptop has been sent for digital forensics analysis. Meghan Markle stated that she had learnt of such allegations several years ago and explained why she had cut off contact with her father. Thomas Markle himself categorically denies any involvement in any offences. As of 25 October 2026, the investigation is ongoing and his guilt has not been established.
Briefly about the main points
- The Philippine police are investigating allegations against 82-year-old Thomas Markle.
- At his former home in Cebu, the police found documents and a laptop, which are currently being examined by experts.
- Thomas Markle’s son — Meghan’s half-brother — informed the police of the discovery.
- Meghan Markle stated that she was aware of previous allegations that had been made to the British police.
What the police found at Thomas Markle’s house
The investigation began following a report Thomas Markle Jr., the stepbrother of the Duchess of Sussex. According to him, whilst going through his father’s belongings at his former home in the Philippines, he discovered material that may have contained images of child sexual abuse.
The man reported the discovery to the local police and also contacted the US investigating authorities.
Minister of the Interior of the Philippines Johnwick Remulla confirmed that police officers had searched Thomas Markle’s former home in Cebu and found items that are now the subject of an investigation.
Law enforcement officers also seized a laptop. The device is currently undergoing digital forensic analysis, the results of which are expected in about a week.
The Philippine Ministry of Justice has confirmed that the case is being handled by the unit responsible for combating human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children online.
What Meghan Markle said about her father
23 October Meghan Markle She commented publicly on the reports of the investigation. The Duchess of Sussex said she was deeply concerned by the information that had been made public.
According to her, she had previously received information about the serious allegations against her father and had expected the police to carry out a proper investigation.
Megan also explained her decision to cut off contact with Thomas Markle. She emphasised that she had not allowed him to have any contact with her children Archie and Lilibet, as she was trying to protect them.
The Duchess expressed the hope that the investigation would establish the facts of the case, whilst the safety of the children would remain the top priority.
Meghan Markle She has not been on close terms with her father since 2018, when she married Prince Harry of the United Kingdom.
The British police have confirmed that they received a letter in 2019
Some questions have arisen regarding the actions of the British police, who had previously received information about possible offences.
Megan Markle initially stated that she had learnt of the allegations from a letter handed over to the police in 2018. However, on 24 October, Scotland Yard clarified that, according to verified archive records, the letter containing reports of alleged offences outside the UK was received in January 2019.
The police passed on the information to representatives of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but did not disclose the contents of the letter to other law enforcement agencies.
A spokesperson for the couple acknowledged that the Duchess might have got the date wrong, but agreed to accept the official police records as accurate.
The London police are currently reviewing their own actions and considering whether to refer the matter to an independent body that oversees the work of law enforcement agencies.
How Thomas Markle responded to the allegations
Thomas Markle denies any involvement in the possession of child sexual abuse material. In a comment to the British newspaper *Daily Mail*, he described the allegations as false and stated that he had never downloaded such material.
His daughter Samantha Markle She also spoke out publicly in defence of her father, casting doubt on her brother’s claims.
According to reports from international news agencies, Thomas Markle previously lived in the Philippines but later returned to the United States.
What is known about the ongoing investigation?
On 25 October, the leadership of the Philippine National Police announced that it was cooperating with law enforcement agencies in other countries.
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation is also joining the investigation. US law enforcement officials have stated that they are ready to assist their Filipino counterparts and investigate possible breaches of federal law.
According to the head of the Philippine police, José Melencio Nartates Jr., the decision on whether to bring criminal charges will depend on the results of the investigation and the evidence gathered.
Experts are currently continuing to examine the seized materials. No public conclusion has been reached regarding their origin or Thomas Markle’s involvement.
The mere fact that investigative measures are being carried out does not imply that guilt has been established. Final conclusions can only be drawn once the investigation has been completed and the relevant procedural decisions have been taken.
