Breaking: Meghan Markle says she was told of 'disturbing' allegations about father in 2018

Meghan the Duchess of Sussex has revealed she was informed of "disturbing allegations" involving her estranged father in 2018, which she says prompted her to keep her children away from him.

"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 in a statement.

It comes after international media reported claims of child sexual abuse material had been found at his former home in the Philippines.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Thomas Markle denied possessing the images, calling the accusations "sick lies".

After the reports, Meghan revealed that in 2018 she had seen a letter sent to London's Metropolitan Police making similar accusations.

"It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated," she said.

Harry, the second son of King Charles III and estranged brother of the heir to the throne, Prince William, married the former American actress in May 2018. Thomas Markle did not attend.

Meghan, who has two children with Harry, said she hoped it could "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".

The couple left Britain and quit royal duties in 2020 amid family tension, but made an unexpected return to live in the United Kingdom in August.

"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," Meghan said.