Entertainment · October 23, 2026
Meghan Markle “Deeply Distressed” Over Allegation Her Father Possessed Child Abuse Images
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has expressed deep distress following reports that her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., is under investigation by authorities in the Philippines for alleged possession of child sexual abuse materials. The investigation was initiated after her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., reported finding a hoard of illegal images in boxes left at his father's former residence in Cebu. In an official statement, Meghan revealed she was informed of similar allegations against her father in 2018 and has maintained distance from him specifically to protect her children. Thomas Markle Sr., currently in a Florida rehabilitation facility, has vehemently denied the claims, describing them as fabrications by his son.
Read the original coverage
- CNNMainstream
Meghan ‘deeply distressed’ over child sex abuse image allegations against father
Read at CNN ↗ - NBC NewsMainstream
Meghan ‘deeply distressed’ by report alleging her dad possessed child sexual abuse images
Read at NBC News ↗ - CBS NewsMainstream
Duchess Meghan
Read at CBS News ↗ - New York PostTabloid
Meghan Markle says she cut ties with dad Thomas to protect her kids after sickening allegation back in 2018
Read at New York Post ↗ - DeadlineTrade
Meghan Markle "Deeply Distressed" Over Thomas Markle Allegations
Read at Deadline ↗ - Us WeeklyCelebrity
Meghan Markle’s Estranged Dad Thomas Investigated Over Child Sex Images After Son Went to Cops: Report
Read at Us Weekly ↗ - The Daily BeastMainstream
Meghan Markle’s Estranged Dad Under Investigation Over Disturbing Discovery
Read at The Daily Beast ↗ - E! NewsCelebrity
Meghan Markle Says She's "Distressed" by Child Sex Abuse Image Allegations Against Dad Thomas Markle
Read at E! News ↗ - Daily MailTabloid
Meghan says she is 'deeply distressed' by allegations her father Thomas possessed child sex abuse images and reveals letter with 'disturbing' claims was passed to Met Police in 2018
Read at Daily Mail ↗ - TMZTabloid
Meghan Markle 'Deeply Distressed' By Child Porn Claims Against Dad Thomas
Read at TMZ ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Thomas Markle Sr. is under investigation in the Philippines regarding allegations of child sexual abuse materials.
- The allegations were brought to authorities by Thomas Markle Jr.
- Thomas Markle Sr. has denied the accusations, calling them 'sick lies' and a fabrication.
- Meghan Markle issued a statement saying she is 'deeply distressed' or 'deeply disturbed' by the news.
- Meghan stated that a letter containing similar allegations was sent to UK authorities (Metropolitan Police) in 2018.
- The Sun was the first outlet to report on the current investigation in the Philippines.
Reported by only some outlets
- Thomas Markle Jr. claims to have found hundreds or thousands of images in four large cardboard boxes.
- Thomas Markle Sr. is 82 years old and currently in a Florida rehab center recovering from surgery.
- The Sun published a photo appearing to show Thomas Jr. signing a sworn statement for police.
- The Daily Beast reports the allegations include images of toddlers.
- Thomas Markle Sr. had his left leg amputated in December 2025 due to a blood clot.
Confirmed
- Thomas Markle Jr. reported his father to Philippine authorities.
- Thomas Markle Sr. denies the claims.
- Meghan Markle issued a statement expressing distress and citing 2018 allegations she was made aware of by police.
Reported
- Thomas Markle Jr. discovered hundreds or thousands of illegal images at his father's former home in Cebu. (The Sun)
- The allegations involve images of toddlers. (The Daily Beast)
Rumor
- The allegations are 'a bunch of lies' or 'sick lies' created by Thomas Markle Jr. (Thomas Markle Sr.)
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