Meghan Markle has revealed that concerns about her estranged father were brought to her attention eight years ago, following new allegations that have reportedly prompted an investigation into Thomas Markle Sr.in the Philippines.
The Duchess of Sussex issued a statement Friday after her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., claimed to have discovered suspected child sexual abuse material among their father's possessions at a former family property in Cebu.
Meghan Markle was seen wearing an anti-stress patch on her wristParker Johnson
The 82-year-old former television lighting director has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as "sick lies" in comments to the Daily Mail.
However, Meghan's response has shifted attention toward previously undisclosed concerns that she says influenced her decision to keep her father away from her children.
Allegations reported to police in 2018
In her statement, Meghan said she was devastated by the latest developments and expressed concern about children who may have been harmed.
"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," she said.
The Duchess explained that a letter containing allegations against her father had been sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection in 2018.
"That letter was subsequently shared with me," she said. "It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated."
Sshe challenged the longstanding perception that her estrangement from Thomas Sr. resulted solely from the controversies surrounding her wedding to Prince Harry.
What has Thomas Markle Sr. been accused of?
According to The Sun, Thomas Jr. claimed he discovered four boxes containing suspected child sexual abuse images and videos while examining his father's belongings in Cebu.
"When I found this material I was horrified and I had no option but to report my dad," Thomas Jr. told the newspaper.
He reportedly contacted authorities in the Philippines and United States, including the FBI and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Specialist investigators in the Philippines have reportedly been assigned to examine the allegations, although no publicly released forensic findings have established the contents or ownership of the material.
Thomas Sr. denies wrongdoing, and no criminal charges have been publicly announced.
Meghan Markle kept father away from her children
Meghan has been estranged from her father since the period surrounding her May 2018 wedding, when controversy erupted over staged paparazzi photographs.
Thomas Sr. ultimately missed the ceremony, and the relationship remained fractured as he continued discussing family matters publicly.
Meghan has now offered a more serious explanation for that distance, specifically addressing her decision to prevent contact with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
"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.
Her statement concluded with a call for accountability and the protection of vulnerable children.
"My sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children."
The allegations remain under investigation, with the outcome dependent on evidence gathered by the relevant authorities.