Meghan Says She Is ‘Deeply Distressed’ by Allegations Against Father

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has said she is “deeply distressed” by allegations that child sexual abuse images were discovered at her father’s former home in the Philippines, calling for justice and the protection of children.

In a statement on Friday, Meghan said her thoughts were with any children who may have been harmed. The allegations were reported by British tabloid The Sun, which said her brother, Thomas Markle Jr., found the images while clearing out their father Thomas Markle Sr.’s former property in Cebu.

The allegations have not been established, and Thomas Markle Sr. has denied them.

Meghan Reveals Earlier Letter to Police

Meghan also disclosed that a letter containing what she described as “troubling and disturbing allegations” about her father was sent to London's Metropolitan Police Service in 2018. She said she was later informed of its contents and assured that the allegations were being investigated.

She said the development should help explain her decision to remain estranged from her father and prevent him from having contact with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

“My sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children,” Meghan said.

Brother Says He Reported Images

According to The Sun, Thomas Markle Jr. said he found hundreds or possibly thousands of images while clearing the property. He reportedly contacted police in the Philippines and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Markle Jr. said he would no longer support or communicate with his father unless required to provide evidence.

However, Thomas Markle Sr., 82, denied the allegations in comments reported by the Daily Mail, saying he was shocked and hurt by his son's accusations.

Family Estrangement Returns to Focus

Meghan, an American actress who starred in the television drama Suits, married Prince Harry at Windsor Castle in 2018. Her father did not attend the wedding, and their strained relationship has since attracted significant media attention.

Thomas Markle Sr. had been living in the Philippines before suffering a stroke earlier this year and undergoing an amputation of his left leg, according to the supplied report. He subsequently returned to the United States.

The allegations have renewed attention on the family’s long-running estrangement, while questions surrounding the reported discovery and any investigation remain unresolved.

The Associated Press