Photo Credit: Getty Images
Meghan Markle has spoken of her distress following allegations that her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., was found with child sexual abuse material, revealing that she had been made aware of troubling claims about him as far back as 2018.
In a statement to People, the Duchess of Sussex said she was thinking of any children who may have been harmed. The allegations were reported by The Sun on Thursday, October 22, after Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., claimed he discovered explicit material at their father's home in Cebu, Philippines.
"I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed," Meghan said.
She also disclosed that a letter containing allegations against her father had been sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection in 2018. She said the letter was later shared with her and that she was assured the claims were being investigated.
The revelation has shed new light on Meghan's estrangement from her father, whom she has not allowed to have contact with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
"I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications' distortion over the years, any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children, was for one reason: to protect them," she said. "I trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families."
According to The Sun, Thomas Jr. alleged that he found four large boxes containing "hundreds, if not thousands" of images involving children, alongside videos and other material. He said the discovery left him horrified and prompted him to report the matter to authorities, including the FBI.
Thomas Jr. also reportedly claimed that he contacted the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Pennsylvania state police. The FBI confirmed receipt of his affidavit, according to the outlet, while investigators in the Philippines were reportedly pursuing the matter.
Meghan ended her statement by calling for accountability and protection for children.
"Although the breadth of what has now been uncovered is more sickening than one could ever imagine, my sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children."
