Meghan Markle's father, Thomas Markle Sr., is reportedly under investigation in the Philippines over what his son says are "hundreds, if not thousands" of child sexual abuse images found among belongings he left behind in Cebu, according to the Sun's Nick Parker. Markle Sr., 82, has not responded to requests for comment.
His son, Thomas Markle Jr., 60, told the Sun he came across the material while going through boxes for a spare phone. He says he reported it on July 10 to the FBI tip line and heard nothing back. He also named Pennsylvania state police and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as recipients. He then retrieved four cardboard boxes and, with a local technician, went through three hard drives. "When I found this material I was horrified and I had no option but to report my dad," he told the outlet.
On Thursday he gave a sworn statement to child-protection officers in Cebu, according to the report. A Philippine task force run by the Women and Children's Protection Centre has reportedly instructed him to hand the boxes over for forensic examination at the Cebu City Department of Justice, which he agreed to do, and authorities are said to be preparing to seize the evidence. Task force officers declined to comment to the Sun.
The age rnage is quite disturbing. It's everything from schoolgirls, young women, right down to toddlers," Parker said (4:50 mark in video below).
No charges have been announced, and neither Philippine authorities nor the FBI has confirmed an investigation on the record. The Sun cites a source close to the case saying an FBI agent has already asked for the investigators' contact details and that a U.S. probe is expected. InTouch's report likewise carries no official statement from police or the bureau, and no court has examined the material.
Markle Sr. had his left leg amputated in December after a stroke and a blood clot, and flew back to the U.S. in May. The Daily Beast says he is now in a rehabilitation center in Florida, supported by his elder daughter. Markle Jr. had been his carer and, per the Sun, had been publicly mocking Meghan on his father's behalf until this week.
Samantha Markle, Meghan's half-sister, has defended their father, saying her brother "wants revenge," Page Six reports. Reps for Meghan and Prince Harry did not respond to Page Six. A source close to the Duchess of Sussex told the Sun, "Now maybe people will finally understand why she has had nothing to do with her father since 2018."
