Meghan Markle’s father investigated after son reports finding hundreds of alleged child abuse images, alerts authorities

An investigation is reportedly underway after Thomas Markle Jr. made allegations against his father, Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. The claims have not been proven, and no criminal charges or arrests have been announced in connection with the case.

According to reports, the inquiry began after Meghan’s estranged half-brother Thomas Jr. said he came across suspicious digital files while sorting through his family’s belongings at a former residence in Cebu City, the Philippines.

In an affidavit submitted to local authorities, Thomas Jr. said he first noticed questionable images on an older mobile phone. He later examined four large cardboard boxes containing computer equipment, external hard drives, and family memorabilia with the help of an independent IT technician. He alleged that he found additional files among the items.

Meghan Markle released a formal response

According to The Sun, Thomas Jr. subsequently contacted several agencies, including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Pennsylvania state police.

The complaint filed in Cebu also prompted local authorities to refer the matter to a specialized unit within the Philippine National Police Women and Children’s Protection Centre and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).

However, the discovery of suspicious files does not, on its own, establish who created or possessed them. Investigators would need to examine the devices, verify the contents of the files, and determine whether the evidence can be linked to a particular person.

That process can be complicated when digital equipment has changed hands over the years. Investigators may need to establish when files were created or accessed, who had access to the devices, and whether the material was altered. Preserving the original hardware and documenting how it is handled would also be important if the evidence is eventually used in court.

The allegations have also drawn attention because of Meghan’s long-standing estrangement from her father. In statements reported by Sky News and People, Meghan said she was distressed by the developments and expressed concern for any potential victims. 

She also referred to a letter sent in 2018 to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection, which she said was later shared with her. “It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated,” Meghan said.

She added that her decision to remain distant from her father and not allow him contact with her children was intended to protect them. Her comments reflect the family’s history of estrangement, though they do not establish the truth of the current allegations.

The involvement of law enforcement agencies in different jurisdictions does not necessarily mean charges are imminent. Authorities must first determine whether the reported material is illegal, whether it can be reliably linked to a suspect, and whether there is enough admissible evidence to support further legal action.

For now, the allegations against Thomas Markle Sr. remain unproven. No criminal charges or arrests have been announced, and the outcome will depend on what investigators establish through their examination of the reported evidence.