Meghan deeply distressed by allegations against her father

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 23 Oct, 11:20 · Archive

The Duchess of Sussex says she is deeply distressed by accusations her father possessed child sex abuse images.

The Duchess of Sussex has issued a statement saying she is 'deeply distressed' following reports that child sex abuse images allegedly belonging to her father, Thomas Markle, were found at his former home in the Philippines. The allegations were reportedly made by her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jnr, according to the Sun.

In her statement, Meghan said she was informed about 'disturbing allegations' against her father in 2018 when a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection. She said she was subsequently given assurances that these were being investigated. She added that her distance from her father and choice not to allow him contact with her children was 'for one reason: to protect them'.

Thomas Markle has denied possessing child sex images, calling the accusations 'sick lies' in an interview with the Daily Mail. Meghan said in her statement that whilst 'the breadth of what has now been uncovered is more sickening than one could ever imagine', her hope is that 'justice will be fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children'. The Metropolitan Police has been asked for comment.

How it is being reported

• Meghan ‘deeply distressed’ by allegations against her father - read her full statementThe Duchess of Sussex says she was made aware of ‘disturbing allegations’ against her father in 2018Evening Standard · 23 Oct, 12:02
• Meghan ‘deeply distressed’ by allegation her father had child abuse imagesThe Duchess of Sussex says she was made aware of “disturbing allegations” against her father in 2018.Evening Standard · 23 Oct, 11:33
• Meghan says she was informed by police about 'disturbing allegations' against her father in 2018The Duchess of Sussex says she is "deeply distressed" following reports about her father.BBC News · 23 Oct, 10:56
• Meghan ‘deeply distressed’ by allegation her father had child abuse imagesThe Duchess of Sussex says she was made aware of “disturbing allegations” against her father in 2018.Evening Standard · 23 Oct, 10:47

In this story: Meghan · Thomas Markle · Thomas Markle Jnr · Philippines · Metropolitan Police

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