Meghan Markle’s Father Faces Child Abuse Images Investigation as Police Seek Warrant

Philippine police are seeking a warrant to examine electronic devices recovered from the former home of Thomas Markle Sr., Meghan Markle's estranged father, as investigators pursue allegations that he possessed child sexual abuse material. The 82-year-old is under investigation after his son reported discovering suspected illegal images among belongings left at a residence in Cebu, Philippines.

Markle has denied possessing the material, calling the accusations "sick lies." He also disputes allegations involving computers he says were outside his control after he left the Philippines. No criminal charges have been filed against him.

The Philippine National Police confirmed Monday, October 26, 2026, that investigators were pursuing legal authorization to examine data stored on devices recovered from the property. Thomas Markle Jr., Meghan's half-brother, reportedly surrendered several electronic devices and other belongings to authorities after finding what he described as hundreds or potentially thousands of child sexual abuse images.

Philippine Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty confirmed on October 23 that the government's anti-trafficking and online child sexual exploitation task force in Cebu was investigating. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla subsequently said officers had inspected Markle's former home and recovered suspected illegal material along with a laptop.

Remulla said forensic findings were expected within approximately one week. Investigators are examining the recovered evidence to establish whether criminal offenses occurred and whether Markle can be connected to the material. Authorities are also considering the family dispute surrounding the allegations as they assess the evidence.

Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Sunday, October 25, that investigators would coordinate with law enforcement agencies in the United States and Britain to examine potential international connections. The FBI confirmed it was aware of the allegations and would assist Philippine authorities where appropriate, including investigating any related violations of U.S. federal law.

In London, the Metropolitan Police acknowledged Saturday, October 24, that it received allegations involving Markle in January 2019 but never passed them to other law enforcement agencies. Officers instead forwarded a letter containing claims of criminal activity outside Britain to the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

The force is reviewing its handling of the correspondence and considering whether to refer the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, Britain's police watchdog. The Metropolitan Police has not established publicly whether the earlier claims are connected to the material under investigation in the Philippines.

Meghan addressed the accusations on October 23, saying she was deeply distressed by the allegations and concerned about any children who may have been harmed.

The Duchess of Sussex said she had previously received a letter containing troubling allegations about her father and had been assured the matter was being investigated. She said the allegations influenced her decision to remain estranged from him and prevent contact between Markle and her two children with Prince Harry.

Meghan initially recalled being informed of the allegations in 2018. After the Metropolitan Police confirmed receiving the letter in January 2019, her spokesperson acknowledged that she may have mistaken the date by several months.

The latest investigation follows years of estrangement between Markle, a retired Hollywood lighting director, and his daughter. He lived in Mexico before relocating to the Philippines in January 2025 and reportedly returned to the United States in May 2026 for medical treatment.

Philippine authorities expect forensic findings within approximately one week and will determine whether to pursue criminal charges based on the results of the examination and evidence linking any suspected offenses to Markle.