Meghan Markle Says She Is “Deeply Distressed” By Allegations Against Her Father — And Reveals A Disturbing Letter From 2018

Meghan Markle has spoken publicly about serious allegations concerning her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., saying she is “deeply distressed” by reports that he is being investigated over the alleged possession of child sexual abuse material.

The Duchess of Sussex issued a statement after reports emerged that her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., had allegedly discovered disturbing images and videos among belongings at their father’s former home in Cebu, the Philippines. Thomas Jr. reportedly contacted authorities after making the discovery.

The allegations have not been proven, and Thomas Markle Sr. has strongly denied them, describing the accusations as “sick lies.” Reports published on October 23, 2026, said the matter was under investigation. No charges or convictions were reported in the coverage. <Cite refs={[“turn764032news14″,”turn764032news15″,”turn764032news17”]}/>

Meghan Reveals What Happened In 2018

In her statement, Meghan revealed that concerns about her father had been brought to the attention of British authorities years earlier.

She said a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection in 2018. The letter was subsequently shared with her, and she said she was assured that the allegations it contained were being investigated.

The revelation has renewed attention on the long-standing estrangement between Meghan and her father. Their relationship broke down in the run-up to her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, after Thomas Markle became embroiled in controversy over staged photographs sold to the paparazzi.

Thomas did not attend the wedding. King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, accompanied Meghan down the aisle, while her mother, Doria Ragland, was the only member of her immediate family present at the ceremony.

Why Meghan Says She Kept Her Father Away From Her Children

Meghan also addressed the decision not to allow her father to have contact with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

She said the distance between them was intended to protect the children, adding that she had trusted authorities to take appropriate action after the earlier allegations were raised.

The statement offers further insight into Meghan’s perspective on a family rift that has been the subject of years of public discussion. However, the precise circumstances surrounding the 2018 letter, including what action was taken at the time, have not been fully established in the reports.

Thomas Markle Sr. Denies The Allegations

Thomas Markle Sr. has rejected the claims against him. In comments reported by media outlets, he expressed shock and hurt over the accusations and denied possessing the material alleged.

The reports say his son, Thomas Markle Jr., claimed he found the material while sorting through belongings left at the family’s former property in the Philippines. The discovery was reportedly brought to the attention of law-enforcement authorities.

The allegations remain allegations, and their accuracy will need to be established through the investigative process. Authorities’ findings, rather than the claims themselves, will determine what can be substantiated.

Meghan Calls For Justice And The Protection Of Children

Meghan said her thoughts were with any children who may have been harmed and expressed hope that justice would be served.

Her statement has drawn renewed attention to the 2018 letter and to the reasons she says she chose to maintain distance from her father. It has also placed the focus on the investigation and the need to prioritise the safety and protection of children.

For now, important questions remain unanswered. The allegations have not been proven, Thomas Markle Sr. denies them, and the reports do not establish that he has been charged with an offence.

The next developments will depend on what investigators are able to verify.