Meghan Markle has responded to allegations that her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr, is being investigated over the alleged possession of “hundreds, if not thousands” of child sexual abuse images at his home in the Philippines.
The Duchess of Sussex said she was “deeply distressed” by the claims and expressed concern for any children who may have been harmed.
“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.
Meghan said a letter containing allegations against her father had been sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection in 2018. She said the letter was later shared with her and that she had been assured the claims were being investigated.
She added that her decision to remain separated from her father, and not allow him contact with her children, had been taken to protect them.
“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,” she said.
Meghan said she had trusted the authorities to provide the same protection to other families. She added that her hope was for justice to be served and for the safety of innocent children to remain the priority.
Thomas Markle Sr has denied the allegations, describing them as “a bunch of lies”. He told the Daily Mail: “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.”
The allegations were reportedly raised after Thomas Markle Jr said he discovered what he described as a large collection of child sexual abuse images at his father’s home in the Philippines. He said he was “horrified” and felt he had no option but to report his father.
A representative of the Cebu City Police Office said a specific unit had been assigned to the case, but that the findings of the criminal investigation remained confidential.
