The Duchess of Sussex says a 2018 letter raised troubling claims about her estranged father, who denies them, while officials in Cebu and the FBI respond.
Tamrah News Desk | October 24, 2026
The Duchess of Sussex said on Friday, October 23, that she learned in 2018 of troubling claims about her estranged father, as Philippine authorities investigate the Thomas Markle allegations. NBC News reported that Meghan was told of
“disturbing allegations”
at the time. The claims followed a report in The Sun that her half brother alleges he found child sexual abuse images at their father’s former home in Cebu. Thomas Markle, 82, denies the allegations.
What Are the Thomas Markle Allegations?
According to CNN, The Sun reported late on Thursday that Thomas Markle Jr said he found indecent images of children at his father’s house in the Philippines and reported him to authorities there. Reuters said the half brother went to police in Cebu City, where Thomas Markle had been living. NBC News reported that The Sun published a photo it said showed Thomas Markle Jr signing a sworn statement. Reuters added that The Sun said he also contacted the FBI.
Thomas Markle Denies the Claims
Reuters reported that the Daily Mail quoted Markle as saying the allegations were untrue and
“sick lies.”
Reuters said it could not immediately reach him for comment. AFP reported that he now reportedly lives in a rehab centre in Florida. It said he moved from Mexico to Cebu in 2025 and settled there with his son.
Meghan Statement: A Letter Sent to Police in 2018
CNN reported that Meghan said she was
“deeply distressed”
and that her thoughts were with any children who may have been harmed. She said a letter was sent in 2018 to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection, and that it was later shared with her. According to CNN, the letter made troubling allegations and she was told they were being investigated.
CBS News reported that her statement expressed hope that
“justice will be fully served”
and that child safety stays the priority. NBC News quoted a source close to the couple who said the claims remained allegations when she learned of them in 2018.
Is Thomas Markle Under Investigation?
Reuters reported that Philippine justice undersecretary Nicholas Ty said the department’s task force in Cebu on trafficking and online child sexual exploitation is investigating the matter. AFP reported that an FBI spokesperson said the agency was
“aware of the allegations”
and would support the Philippines. The statement said the FBI would also examine any related violations of US federal law, according to AFP.
CBS News reported that the Metropolitan Police said it was aware of media reports that officers from its Royalty and Specialist Protection Command helped pass on a letter in 2018. CBS News and GB News both reported that the Metropolitan Police is understood not to be investigating Markle. AFP reported that the force is making inquiries internally to confirm what the Duchess said about the letter.
Estranged Since the 2018 Royal Wedding
Reuters reported that Meghan has been out of contact with her father since the run up to her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. He did not attend, citing ill health, after he admitted posing for paparazzi pictures, Reuters said.
Where the Cebu Investigation Stands
NBC News reported that neither the Cebu police nor the Metropolitan Police responded immediately to its requests for comment. The coverage reviewed by Tamrah News reported no charges and no findings against Markle. Officials in the Philippines and the FBI have so far confirmed only that they are aware of the claims or looking into them.
Conclusion
The Thomas Markle allegations remain unproven, and the Meghan statement describes a 2018 letter and assurances that its claims were being examined. Thomas Markle denies the claims, and Philippine authorities say a task force is handling the Cebu investigation. Readers searching for Thomas Markle Jr’s account, FBI involvement or the Metropolitan Police response will find confirmed details here as they emerge.
