Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has said she was informed of “disturbing allegations” concerning her estranged father, Thomas Markle, in 2018, following reports that suspected child sexual abuse material had allegedly been found among his belongings in the Philippines.
In a statement, Meghan said a letter outlining allegations against her father had been sent to London’s Metropolitan Police in 2018 and was later shared with her.
She said she had been assured the allegations were being investigated at the time.
“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.
The Duchess added that her decision to remain estranged from her father and prevent him from having contact with her children was intended to protect them.
She said she had trusted that authorities were taking appropriate steps to protect other families.
The latest reports concern allegations made by Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., who reportedly told authorities he discovered suspected illegal material among belongings associated with their father at a property in Cebu, Philippines.
The allegations have not been established as fact, and the reported investigation remains ongoing.
Thomas Markle has denied possessing child sexual abuse images, describing the accusations as “sick lies” in an interview with the Daily Mail.
The case has drawn renewed attention to the long-standing estrangement between Meghan and her father, which dates back to 2018, shortly before her marriage to Prince Harry.
Meghan’s statement did not establish whether the allegations reported recently are connected to the concerns raised with police in 2018.
Authorities have yet to publicly establish the nature of the material or determine responsibility for its alleged possession.
