Meghan Markle's father admits paying for sex in Philippines

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 02:19 · Archive

Thomas Markle Sr admits paying for sex with prostitutes in the Philippines but denies allegations of possessing child abuse images.

Thomas Markle Sr, father of the Duchess of Sussex, has admitted to paying for sex with prostitutes in the Philippines but denies allegations he possessed child abuse images. His half-brother Thomas Markle Jr alleged he found such images at their father's former home and reported this to Philippine police and the FBI. Philippine authorities confirmed they are investigating the allegations.

In an interview with the Mail on Sunday, Thomas Markle Sr said he has 'never had sex with anyone under the age of 18'. He explained that when he was single he travelled to the Philippines at least twice and 'slept with prostitutes'. He said: 'I like Asian women but that is not a crime' and 'I have nothing to hide'.

Thomas Markle Sr is currently learning to walk again at a nursing facility in Florida after having his leg amputated during life-saving surgery in 2025. He said he would welcome any forensic examination of his computer, telling the Mail on Sunday: 'If there is anything bad on there it was put there by someone else'. His eldest daughter Samantha Markle defended their father, saying: 'I believe this is a set-up'.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Saturday it passed a letter with claims of alleged offending outside the UK by Thomas Markle Sr to Meghan and Prince Harry but did not share details with other law enforcement agencies.

How it is being reported

• Thomas Markle says he paid for sex in the PhilippinesMeghan Markle's father Thomas admits he had sex with prostitutes in the Philippines but denies he had a stash of child sex abuse images.Perth Now · 25 Oct, 01:45
• Thomas Markle says he paid for sex in the PhilippinesMeghan Markle's father Thomas admits he had sex with prostitutes in the Philippines but denies he had a stash of child sex abuse images.The West Australian · 25 Oct, 01:45

In this story: Thomas Markle Sr · Meghan Markle · Thomas Markle Jr · Samantha Markle · Prince Harry · Philippines · Metropolitan Police · FBI

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem