Meghan Markle estranged from father over abuse allegations

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 00:50 · Archive

Allegations of child sexual abuse material at Thomas Markle Sr's former Philippine home have reignited scrutiny of his estrangement from his daughter.

Meghan Markle and her father Thomas Markle Sr have been estranged for eight years following his failure to attend her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. He pulled out shortly before the ceremony after suffering a heart attack, with then-Prince Charles stepping in to walk his future daughter-in-law down the aisle. It is understood Meghan has not spoken to her father since.

On 23 October, allegations surfaced that child sexual abuse material had allegedly been found at Markle Sr's former home in the Philippines. The alleged images were reportedly discovered by Meghan's half-brother Thomas Markle Jr, who alerted detectives. Markle Sr denied the claims, telling the Daily Mail they were 'sick lies'. His other daughter Samantha Markle dismissed the allegations, saying 'there is no merit to these disgusting allegations'.

Shortly after, Meghan released a statement saying she was 'deeply distressed' by the allegations. She explained that her children Archie and Lilibet had never met their grandfather to 'protect them'. Meghan revealed she had been aware of the allegations since 2018, when a letter raising the concerns was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection.

How it is being reported

• Timeline of Meghan Markle and her father Thomas Markle Sr’s estranged relationship as secret letter claims to expose the truthThe pair have been estranged for years, with their relationship thrust into the spotlight in 2018 when Markle Sr failed to attend Meghan and Harry’s wedding.Perth Now · 31 Oct, 00:27
• Timeline of Meghan Markle and her father Thomas Markle Sr’s estranged relationship as secret letter claims to expose the truthThe pair have been estranged for years, with their relationship thrust into the spotlight in 2018 when Markle Sr failed to attend Meghan and Harry’s wedding.The West Australian · 31 Oct, 00:27

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

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 · Corrections log