Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle's father, is being investigated by Philippine authorities over allegations that he possesses sexually abusive material involving children. He denies the allegations.
Nicholas Ty, a deputy justice minister in the Philippines, confirmed on Friday 23 October that a task force in Cebu is investigating the matter. According to Reuters, Markle's son, Thomas Markle jr., handed over material, including a laptop, to police.
The Philippine interior secretary, Jonvic Remulla, told Reuters that Markle had lived in Cebu for some time, but it is believed he is now back in the United States.
Meghan Markle's father: duchess 'deeply distressed'
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, said in a statement that the news deeply distressed her and that her thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed.
According to her, a letter containing disturbing allegations against her father was sent to London's Metropolitan Police in 2018 and was later shared with her. She said she was assured at the time that the allegations were being investigated.
Meghan said her decision to distance herself from her father and not allow him contact with her and Prince Harry's children, Archie and Lilibet, was aimed at protecting them. She expressed hope that justice will be done and that children's safety remains a priority.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said the force is making internal enquiries about reports that officers from its royal and specialist protection unit were involved in the handover of the 2018 letter.
Read also: Harry and Meghan remain private citizens and non-working royals
Markle denies allegations
Markle rejected the allegations in an interview with the Daily Mail. He said he is shocked and hurt by his son's claims and denied that he possesses the alleged material.
The American FBI confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that it is aware of the allegations and will support Philippine authorities where appropriate. The agency will also investigate any related allegations of violations of American federal law. The allegations remain under investigation.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
