Meghan Addresses Investigation Into Estranged Father Thomas Markle

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has addressed a police investigation into her estranged father, Thomas Markle, over alleged child sexual abuse images reportedly found at his home in the Philippines. In a statement issued Friday, October 23, she expressed concern for potentially affected children and explained that her decision to keep her father away from her children was intended to protect them.

The investigation was reported by The Sun on Thursday, October 22. According to the newspaper, dozens of images were allegedly discovered at Thomas Markle's residence by his son, Thomas Jr. The allegations have not been established as fact in the source report.

Meghan said she first learned of troubling allegations against her father in 2018, when a letter concerning the matter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection. She said the letter was subsequently shared with her and that she received assurances that the allegations were being investigated.

In her statement, Meghan described her reaction to the latest developments and expressed concern for 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," Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, said.

Meghan linked the history of her estrangement from her 82-year-old father to concerns about the safety of her children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. She said her decision to prevent contact between her father and the children had been driven by those concerns.

She also addressed what she described as media portrayals of the family rift, reiterating that the decision was based on protecting her children.

"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," Meghan said.

The duchess said she expected authorities to take comparable precautions to protect other families. Her statement also emphasized the importance of ensuring that children remain safe while the allegations are 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," Meghan said.

Meghan said she had relied on the authorities to investigate the concerns raised in 2018, while the reported inquiry into her father has brought renewed attention to their estrangement.

"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," Meghan said.

The Sun also reported that the FBI was expected to open its own investigation into Thomas Markle, who has returned to live in the United States. The source report did not provide further details about the scope or timing of that inquiry.