Thomas Markle, the father of the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, is the subject of an investigation in the Philippines following allegations that he possessed material related to child sexual abuse.
The 82-year-old has categorically denied the allegations. Meanwhile, Philippine authorities have seized electronic devices for forensic examination. The case has deepened divisions within the family, as his son says he was the one who discovered the material and notified the authorities.
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In an interview with the British newspaper Mail on Sunday, Thomas Markle said he had never had sex with anyone under 18. He acknowledged that he had paid for sex during previous visits to the Philippines, but stressed that the women he had been with were adults.
“I will do everything necessary to clear my name. I have nothing to hide,” he said, adding that he was willing to cooperate with the authorities and undergo any examination they required.
The investigation reportedly took a new turn after Thomas Markle Jr. alleged that he had found illegal photos and videos on his father’s phones and devices, which were among his personal belongings in the Philippines. He said he passed the information on to the authorities.
Thomas Jr. said what he had seen had shocked him and that, despite their family ties, he had decided to report his father. Philippine police have reportedly seized electronic devices and other items that could be used as evidence in the investigation.
Thomas Markle says he had not used the phones or computer for a long time. For that reason, he has not ruled out the possibility that someone else placed the material on his devices and has requested a full forensic examination to determine where the files came from.
His other daughter, Samantha Markle, has supported her father and questioned the circumstances in which the devices were found. She alleges that other people may have had access to his personal belongings, describing the case as a possible setup. These claims have not been confirmed.
The case has also brought renewed attention to the strained relationship between Thomas Markle and Meghan Markle. British media report that in December 2025, the duchess sent her father a letter telling him she no longer wanted any contact with him and would not allow him to see her children, Archie and Lilibet.
According to sources cited by the media, the letter also mentioned the allegations connected to the investigation. Thomas Markle says Meghan did not give him the opportunity to explain the situation and had not informed him about the earlier complaints.
Their relationship had broken down before Meghan’s 2018 marriage to Prince Harry, a ceremony Thomas Markle did not attend.
Philippine authorities are examining the seized devices to determine whether they contain illegal material and whether there is sufficient evidence to take further legal action.
The U.S. FBI has said it is aware of the allegations and may offer assistance to Philippine authorities if requested.
Until the investigation is complete and the evidence has been assessed by the competent authorities, the allegations against Thomas Markle remain unproven, and he continues to deny any wrongdoing.
The story is being followed by international media both because of the serious nature of the allegations and because of the long-running family conflict involving Meghan Markle’s father.
