Authorities in Cebu City, Philippines, have secured a search warrant to examine digital devices seized from the home of Thomas Markle. The 82-year-old is currently under investigation for the alleged possession of child pornography, a probe triggered after his son, Thomas Markle Jr., reported finding hundreds of images in a box among family mementos.
Family Reactions and Allegations
Thomas Markle Jr. stated he was “horrified” and “sick to [his] stomach” upon discovering the alleged materials, leading him to contact local police in July. He also reported the findings to the FBI hotline, state police in Pennsylvania, and the National Centre for Exploited and Missing Children. Markle Jr. has vowed to never speak to his father again. Conversely, Thomas Markle Sr. has denied the allegations, labeling them sick lies.
While he admitted to paying for sex in the Philippines, he maintained he never did so with a child.
Meghan Markle's Father Thomas Markle Under Criminal Investigation by Child Protection Unit in Philippines https://t.co/gzLIwaNy6G
The family remains divided on the matter. Samantha Markle has stood by her father, accusing her brother of orchestrating a revenge
plot. Meanwhile, Samantha’s daughter, Noelle, noted that while she was never abused by her grandfather, the accusations did not surprise her.
Meghan Markle’s Response
Meghan Markle released a statement expressing that she is deeply distressed
by the disturbing allegations. The Duchess of Sussex noted that her decision to distance herself from her father and deny him contact with her children was made to protect them. She previously cut off contact with her father in 2019 and reaffirmed in a 2025 letter that he would not have access to her children. Currently, Meghan and Prince Harry are out of the United Kingdom with their two children during a half-term break, reportedly staying off social media as the investigation proceeds.
Ongoing Investigation
Police experts are now tasked with reviewing the evidence recovered from the seized devices. Markle Jr. has expressed confidence that the huge piles of evidence
he provided to authorities will substantiate his claims. The investigation follows the BBC’s report on Thursday regarding the issuance of the search warrant for the items held by the Cebu City police.
