Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, recently addressed child sexual abuse allegations involving her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr. CBS News’ British partner BBC News reported that these claims came to light six years after Meghan was first informed of them.
Philippine police confirmed an investigation into Thomas Markle Sr. following the discovery of a significant cache of child sexual abuse photos and videos. This discovery was brought to the authorities by his son, Thomas Markle Jr. Meghan expressed deep distress upon learning about the investigation and revealed she had been informed of related allegations by London’s Metropolitan Police in 2018.
In a letter obtained by the Daily Mail, Meghan warned her father in December 2025 that he would never meet her children, Archie and Lilibet, due to the abuse claims against him. Thomas Markle Sr., 82, mentioned he didn’t recall the letter’s specifics but acknowledged his daughter’s words as likely accurate.
In media reports, Thomas Markle Sr. denied downloading inappropriate material and dismissed the claims as unfounded. He admitted to hiring sex workers in the Philippines but denied any engagement with minors.
“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,” Meghan stated.
The Sun reported that in 2019, the Metropolitan Police informed the Duchess of Sussex and her team about several allegations against Markle, including sexual abuse claims. Meghan clarified her actions were motivated by the need to protect her family.
Metropolitan Police confirmed ongoing internal inquiries to verify whether Royalty and Specialist Protection officers were involved in sharing the letter in 2018.
Despite revelations regarding her father’s allegations, CBS News contributor Roya Nikkhah indicated that public sympathy towards Meghan could rise. Nikkhah believed Meghan’s ordeal might alter public perception, differentiating it from Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties.
The Persistent Issue of Violence Against Women 
Lil’ Trick-or-Reading at Vernon Area Public Library 
Jordan Klepper Discusses His Approach at MAGA Rallies 
Trump’s Influence in Latin America: A Shift Toward Right-Leaning Leadership 
Jordan Arrests Suspects in Deadly Church Attack 
The Radar Myth: Clarifying Trump’s Comments About His Uncle