Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has broken her silence after her estranged father Thomas Markle was hit with “disturbing” allegations that he possessed child abuse material at his former home.
It is alleged Mr Markle’s son, Thomas Markle Jnr, found four large cardboard boxes containing “hundreds, if not thousands” of images and videos at his father’s former home in The Philippines, according to The Sun.
Police in the Philippines have launched an investigation and are reportedly preparing to seize the material.
Reports suggest the FBI had received Thomas Jr’s statement and may also launch its own investigation.
“When I found this material I was horrified and I had no option but to report my dad,” Thomas Jnr said.
“I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years — but that stops now.
“I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him.”
On Friday morning local time, Meghan released her own statement, saying she was first informed of the “disturbing allegations” in 2018, according to the BBC.
“I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed,” Meghan said.
“In 2018, a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection. That letter was subsequently shared with me.
“It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated.”
Meghan says her continued estrangement from her father, which began before her wedding to Prince Harry when he staged paparazzi photos, was aimed to protect her children Archie and Lilibet.
“I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications’ distortion over the years, any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children, was for one reason: to protect them,” she said.
“Although the breadth of what has now been uncovered is more sickening than one could ever imagine, my sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children.”