Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, is being investigated in the Philippines following allegations that he possessed material related to child sexual abuse.
The 82-year-old has categorically denied the claims, while authorities have seized electronic devices for forensic examination. The case has heightened tensions within the family, as his son claims he discovered the material and then reported it.
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In an interview with the British newspaper Mail on Sunday, Thomas Markle said he had never had sexual relations with anyone under the age of 18 and denied any involvement in the sexual abuse of minors. He acknowledged that during previous visits to the Philippines he had paid for sex, but stressed that his partners were adults.
“I will do everything necessary to clear my name. I have nothing to hide,” he said, declaring that he was willing to cooperate with the authorities and undergo the necessary examinations.
The investigation took a new turn after Thomas Markle Jr. said he had found illegal photographs and videos on his father’s electronic devices. According to him, the devices were among Thomas Markle’s personal belongings in the Philippines, and he notified the authorities about the material he claims to have discovered.
Thomas Jr. said the discovery had shocked him and that, despite their family ties, he had decided to report his father. According to reports, Philippine police have taken possession of devices and other items that could be used as evidence in the investigation.
Thomas Markle disputes his son’s claims, saying that the phones and computer had not been in his possession for a long time. He has raised the possibility that someone else placed the files on the devices and has requested a full forensic examination to determine their origin.
Samantha Markle, his other daughter, has come to her father’s defense and questioned the circumstances in which the devices were found. She claims that some people may have had access to Thomas Markle’s personal belongings, describing the case as a possible trap. These claims have not been confirmed.
The case has brought renewed attention to the broken-off relationship between Thomas Markle and his daughter, Meghan. According to British media, in December 2025 the Duchess sent her father a letter informing him that she did not want to have any further contact with him and would not allow him to meet her children, Archie and Lilibet.
Sources cited in reports say the letter also included references to allegations related to the case. Thomas Markle claims that Meghan did not give him an opportunity to explain the situation and had not informed him about previous complaints.
The rift between them began before Meghan’s marriage to Prince Harry in 2018, a ceremony Thomas Markle did not attend.
Authorities in the Philippines are conducting forensic examinations of the seized devices to determine whether they contain illegal material and whether sufficient evidence exists for further legal action.
The FBI has confirmed that it is aware of the allegations and may assist Philippine authorities if asked to do so.
Until the investigation is concluded and the evidence is assessed by the competent authorities, the allegations against Thomas Markle remain unproven. He continues to deny any violation of the law.
The case is being followed by international media, not only because of the serious nature of the allegations, but also because of the deep family conflict involving Meghan Markle’s father.
