Meghan’s father Thomas Markle being investigated by Philippines authorities

Meghan’s father Thomas Markle being investigated by Philippines authorities Thomas Markle has denied possessing child sex images, calling the accusations ‘sick lies’ - Bookmark Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Authorities in the Philippines are investigating allegations that the Duchess of Sussex’s father Thomas Markle kept child sex abuse images at his former home. Meghan’s half-brother Thomas Jr told The Sun that their father was being investigated, claiming he had found “hundreds” of child sex images on computers and a cellphone, which were left behind at his home on Cebu when his father moved from the Philippines earlier this year. Nicholas Ty, undersecretary for the Philippines Department of Justice, told ITV News: “Our Anti-Trafficking and Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children taskforce in Cebu is currently investigating the matter.” Mr Markle Jnr said he submitted a statement to police in the Philippines and told The Sun: “When I found this material I was horrified and I had no option but to report my dad. “I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years – but that stops now. I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him.” The newspaper reported that Mr Markle Jnr was searching for a phone for his girlfriend’s father in boxes of his own father’s belongings, which led him to discover the images and videos. He is said to have reported his discovery to the FBI Hotline and to the state police in Pennsylvania, as well as the US-based National Centre for Exploited and Missing Children in July. In response to the accusations, Mr Markle Sr said: “I’m shocked, I’m hurt and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me. I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of. “This is bulls***. It’s just a bunch of lies. It’s sick. I have no idea why Tom is trying to destroy me with these lies.” On Friday, Meghan said she was made aware of “disturbing allegations” about her father in 2018. She said she was shown a letter sent to Scotland Yard eight years ago making “troubling” allegations against Thomas Markle Sr and she was assured that these were being investigated Meghan became estranged from her former TV lighting director father in the run-up to her 2018 royal wedding after he was caught staging paparazzi photographs. Mr Markle Sr did not attend the wedding, leaving the King to accompany Meghan down the aisle and meaning the only member of her family present was her mother, Doria Ragland. In a statement Meghan said: “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. “In 2018, a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection. That letter was subsequently shared with me. “It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated. “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. “I trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families. “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.” It is understood the Metropolitan Police has not previously, nor is the force currently, investigating Mr Markle Sr. The force said it is making internal inquiries regarding officers from the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Command being involved in the passing on of a letter. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “We are aware of media reports that officers from the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Command were involved in the passing on of a letter in 2018. “We are undertaking inquiries internally in an effort to confirm this.” Mr Markle Sr had been living in Cebu but was forced to return to the US after suffering a stroke and a blood clot, which led to the amputation of his left leg. Last December, Meghan’s spokesperson confirmed she had been able to send him a letter while he was being treated in hospital, after he said he did not want to die while estranged from his daughter. He is reportedly now living in a rehab centre in Florida, where he is learning to walk again.