Meghan Markle's father investigated over child abuse images

Summarised from 2 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 23 Oct, 00:08 · Archive

Thomas Markle Sr is under investigation after his son reported finding hundreds of child sex abuse images at his Philippines home.

Thomas Markle Sr, the father of the Duchess of Sussex, is under investigation after his son Thomas Markle Jr reported finding child sex abuse images at the father's home in Cebu, Philippines. Thomas Jr discovered what he described as hundreds, if not thousands of such images in four large boxes, according to reports. He told authorities he stumbled across the material while searching for a mobile phone for his Filipino girlfriend, finding the images mixed among family mementos. Among the alleged material was reportedly a 15-minute video of young girls appearing younger than 11, alongside still photographs.

Thomas Jr, 60, reported the discovery to police and also contacted FBI investigators in the United States. Authorities are preparing to seize the alleged evidence. Thomas Jr stated that he was horrified by the discovery and had no option but to report his father, adding that he would not speak to him again unless called as a witness.

The family dispute has intensified over the claims. Meghan Markle's half-sister Samantha accused Thomas Jr of inventing the story to make money and suggested their father had been framed. Meghan Markle's inner circle reportedly said the investigation would help people understand her long-standing estrangement from her father since 2018.

How it is being reported

• FBI poised to open their own probe into Meghan Markle’s estranged dad after alleged child porn stash found overseas: reportThomas Markle Sr., 82, was reported to local police by his own son, Thomas Markle Jr., who discovered “hundreds, if not thousands,” of disturbing child sex abuse images in storage boxes at his Cebu home, The Sun first reported.New York Post · 23 Oct, 00:20
• Meghan Markle’s father was dating much-younger nurse before child porn investigation"Haters will hate," Markle said in an interview. "But, to be honest, I don’t give a damn. Life is for living."New York Post · 22 Oct, 23:55
• Meghan Markle’s inner circle says dad Thomas’ child porn probe will make people ‘finally understand’ years-long estrangementThe patriarch is reportedly being investigated for having "hundreds, if not thousands" of child sex abuse images.New York Post · 22 Oct, 23:50
• Meghan Markle's father Thomas 'is being probed over huge stash of child abuse photos found at Philippines home': Thomas Snr is reported to police by his own son - but daughter Samantha says it's 'all lies'Thomas Markle Snr is being investigated over a hoard of child abuse images that are said to have been found at his Philippines home.Daily Mail · 22 Oct, 23:45
• Meghan Markle’s estranged dad Thomas investigated over vile trove of child porn – discovered by his ‘disgusted’ son: reportThomas Markle Jr. allegedly uncovered “hundreds, if not thousands” of child sex abuse images in four boxes at his home in Cebu, The Sun reported.New York Post · 22 Oct, 23:10
• Meghan Markle’s dad, Thomas, under investigation for ‘hundreds, if not thousands’ of child porn images: reportThomas and the Duchess of Sussex have been estranged for years.New York Post · 22 Oct, 22:59

In this story: Thomas Markle Sr · Thomas Markle Jr · Meghan Markle · Samantha Markle · Cebu · Philippines

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