‘Deeply Distressed’: Meghan Markle Breaks Her Silence on ‘Sickening’ Child Abuse Allegations Against Her Estranged Dad
Meghan Markle has spoken out after disturbing allegations against her father, Thomas Markle. He’s accused of having suspected child s–xual abuse material among his belongings. The Duchess of Sussex said she learned about the claims back in 2018.
In a statement on October 23, Meghan said, “I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours.” She noted that her “thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed.” Meghan alleged that a letter about the allegations was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection in 2018.
She later received a copy and was told the claims were being investigated. She also addressed the criticism she’s faced for staying away from her dad. “I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications’ distortion over the years,” she stated.
According to the BBC, Meghan also explained why she never let Thomas meet her kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. She added, “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 said she trusted authorities to protect other families, too.
She described the allegations as “more sickening than one could ever imagine.” The Suits actress also hopes justice will be served and children’s safety will come first. The allegations surfaced after her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., told The Sun that he found “hundreds, if not thousands” of images in boxes at their father’s former home in Cebu, Philippines.
He claimed the material included images and videos involving children. He also reportedly contacted Philippine authorities and U.S. agencies, including the FBI. The FBI reportedly confirmed it received his affidavit. “I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years — but that stops now,” Markle Jr. said. “I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him.”
Thomas has strongly denied having indecent images of children. Speaking to The Daily Mail, he called the accusations “sick lies.” “I’m shocked, I’m hurt and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me.”
He added, “I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of.” Thomas also said, “This is bullsh*t. It’s just a bunch of lies. It’s sick. I have no idea why Tom is trying to destroy me with these lies.” His daughter, Samantha Markle, has also pushed back on her brother’s claims.
She told The Daily Mail, “My brother first came out with these lies a few weeks ago when the cash from my dad was cut off. He has used dad as a cash cow for years and once the money stopped he made up the most outrageous lies he could to try and make money from the media.”
On October 23, Philippine Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty confirmed that a special task force in Cebu was investigating the case. Thomas left Cebu in May 2026 after a health emergency led to the amputation of his left leg. He’d been living in the Philippines since 2025. He’s reportedly now in the U.S.
