Meghan confirms long knowledge of her father's Philippine case

The Duchess of Sussex has revealed that she has known about troubling allegations against her father for nearly a decade, a statement that arrives as the Philippine Department of Justice confirms an ongoing investigation.

In a statement sent to CBS News on Friday, Meghan described herself as deeply distressed by the news that Thomas Markle is being examined by authorities regarding the alleged possession of child sexual abuse materials. She noted that the matter was first brought to the attention of U.K. police in 2018 through a letter sent to the Metropolitan Police and its Royalty and Specialist Protection unit. The duchess explained that this letter was shared with her at the time and contained disturbing claims. She stated that she was given assurances then that the allegations were being investigated, a timeline that now appears to be central to the public understanding of the case.

The investigation in the Philippines was confirmed on Friday by state media, which reported that the Department of Justice is looking into reports involving an octogenarian American national. The case is being handled by the department's anti-trafficking task force. According to reports, the probe focuses on material allegedly left in a family home in Cebu province. A Filipino justice official confirmed that Thomas Markle is the subject of the inquiry.

The initial reports surfaced earlier this week when The Sun published an article stating that Thomas Markle Jr., the duchess's half brother, had reported his father to local authorities. The younger son allegedly discovered child abuse materials in storage boxes at the family home. The Daily Mail reported on Friday that Markle Sr. has denied the claims, describing them as sick lies. He stated that he has never downloaded such material in his life, a defense that contrasts with the physical evidence reportedly found in the residence.

According to the Daily Mail, the discovery occurred while Markle Sr. was in the United States receiving treatment for a stroke and a blood clot. Thomas Markle Jr. reportedly found the materials after switching on an old cell phone at the home. The report suggests that in July, the younger son notified an FBI hotline, the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children, and state police in Pennsylvania. These parallel reports highlight the international nature of the family's legal and personal challenges.

The statement from the duchess also addressed the long-standing distance between herself and her father. She explained that her decision to limit contact was made to protect her children, a choice she said has often been distorted by media coverage over the years. She emphasized that her primary motivation has always been the safety and well-being of her family, a point that adds a personal dimension to the unfolding legal proceedings.

The Metropolitan Police in the U.K. has weighed in on the timeline, stating that it is aware of media reports suggesting its officers helped pass on a letter in 2018. A spokesperson for the force said they are undertaking internal enquiries to confirm this history. It is understood that the Metropolitan Police has not directly investigated Markle and is not currently doing so, leaving the primary focus of the legal action in the Philippines.

Meghan concluded her statement by expressing her sincerest hope that justice will be fully served. She stressed that the priority must remain the safety and protection of innocent children. As the Philippine authorities continue their work, the situation underscores the complex intersection of royal family dynamics, international law, and media scrutiny in a case that has drawn attention to both sides of the Atlantic.