Meghan Markle's eight-year family estrangement takes disturbing turn amid father's investigation

M eghan Markle’s long estrangement from her father, Thomas Markle Sr., has drawn renewed attention after authorities in the Philippines confirmed they are investigating allegations that he possessed child sexual abuse material. The claims were made by Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., and have not been established as fact.

Philippine police say items reportedly linked to Thomas Sr. are being examined as part of the inquiry. On Oct. 28, The Philippine Star reported that the FBI had offered assistance to investigators. Authorities have not announced a finding of wrongdoing; police have said they will consider charges if evidence supports them.

Thomas Sr. has denied the allegations. In comments reported by the Daily Mail, he called them “sick lies” and said he could not have done what he was accused of. The claims were first reported by The Sun, based on his son’s account of what he said he found at his father’s former home in Cebu.

Meghan Markle says she kept her distance to protect her children

In a statement released Oct. 23, Meghan said she was “deeply distressed” by the reports and that her thoughts were with any children who may have been harmed. She also said her decision to remain estranged from her father and keep him from contact with her children was made to protect them.

The statement brought renewed attention to a letter about allegations involving Thomas Sr. Meghan initially said it had been sent to London’s Metropolitan Police in 2018. The force later confirmed it received a letter in January 2019, reviewed it and passed it to the Sussexes’ office, but did not share the details with other law-enforcement agencies.

The Met says it is reviewing how the matter was handled and considering whether to refer itself to the police watchdog. Meghan’s spokesperson said she may have been mistaken about the date by a few months.

Separately, HELLO! reported that Meghan, Prince Harry and their children had traveled overseas to spend time with friends. The magazine cited an unnamed friend who described Meghan as upset and said the trip had been planned before the allegations became public. The report did not identify their destination.

Meghan and her father have been estranged since 2018, around the time of her wedding to Harry . She has said the distance from her father and her choice to keep him from her children were intended to protect them. As the Philippine investigation continues, the allegations remain under review.