Meghan Markle’s Father Thomas Markle Sr. Reportedly Under Investigation After Son Discovers Alleged Child Abuse Material in Philippines Home
Meghan Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., is reportedly under investigation following serious allegations that a large collection of suspected child sexual abuse material was discovered among his belongings in the Philippines.
The 82-year-old former Hollywood lighting director was reported to authorities by his own son, Thomas Markle Jr., who claims he uncovered hundreds, potentially thousands, of disturbing images and videos while examining items left behind at his father’s home in Cebu.
According to The Sun, investigators in the Philippines are preparing to examine the alleged evidence, while the FBI has also received information about the case.
No charges or findings of guilt against Thomas Sr. have been reported.
Thomas Markle Jr. Claims Shocking Discovery Among Father’s Belongings
Thomas Jr., 60, reportedly made the initial discovery while searching through his father’s possessions for a mobile phone he could give to his girlfriend’s father.
He claimed that an old LG phone contained disturbing material involving young girls.
The discovery reportedly prompted him to examine four large cardboard boxes containing his father’s belongings.
Among the items were family photographs, old home movies, books, mobile phones, computer hard drives and Emmy Awards from Thomas Sr.’s television career.
Thomas Jr. alleged that some of the electronic devices and books contained suspected child sexual abuse material.
He also claimed that one photograph appeared to show a room he recognized from his father’s former home in Rosarito, Mexico.
These allegations have not been independently verified in the information provided.
Son Reports Father to FBI and Philippine Authorities
Thomas Jr. said he initially contacted the FBI hotline, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and Pennsylvania State Police on July 10.
After receiving no immediate follow-up, he reportedly sought assistance from a local computer technician to examine three hard drives found among the stored belongings.
According to his account, one device contained numerous files that he believed depicted child sexual abuse.
Thomas Jr. subsequently submitted a sworn statement to authorities in Cebu.
He told The Sun that the discovery had left him horrified and that he felt compelled to report his father.
The allegations also brought an abrupt end to their previously close caregiving relationship.
Thomas Jr. had helped support his father following a serious stroke in 2022 and other medical complications.
He said he no longer intended to maintain contact with Thomas Sr. unless required to provide evidence in legal proceedings.
Philippine Investigators Reportedly Prepare Forensic Examination
The Sun reported that investigators associated with the Philippine Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking had established a task force involving the specialist Women and Children’s Protection Centre.
Legal sources in Cebu reportedly confirmed that Thomas Jr. had agreed to surrender the four boxes for forensic examination.
The materials were expected to be transferred to the Cebu City Department of Justice, with Thomas Jr. signing documents authorizing investigators to inspect their contents.
The publication also reported that the FBI had acknowledged receiving his affidavit.
A source familiar with the case claimed that a U.S. federal agent had requested contact information for the Philippine investigators.
However, the extent of any FBI investigation has not been independently confirmed, and the specialist Philippine task force declined to comment.
Thomas Markle Sr. Reportedly Recovering in Florida
According to the report, Thomas Sr. left his Philippine residence in May following serious medical complications, including a stroke and a blood clot that resulted in the amputation of his left leg.
He is reportedly receiving care at a nursing and rehabilitation facility in Florida, where his daughter Samantha Markle has been supporting him.
Thomas Jr. had moved near his father’s home in Cebu in January 2025 and had previously assisted with his medical needs.
The latest allegations have reportedly caused a complete breakdown in their relationship.
Meghan Markle’s Estrangement From Father Draws Renewed Attention
Meghan, 45, has had a strained relationship with her father since the period surrounding her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018.
Thomas Sr. was expected to attend the ceremony at Windsor Castle but ultimately stayed away amid reported health problems and controversy surrounding staged paparazzi photographs.
The Duchess of Sussex and her father have remained estranged since then.
A source described as close to Meghan suggested to The Sun that the latest allegations might change public perceptions of her longstanding decision to distance herself from him.
However, the report does not establish that Meghan knew about the alleged material or that it played any role in their original estrangement.
The allegations concern Thomas Sr. alone, and there is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Meghan or Prince Harry.
The reported investigation remains at an early stage, with forensic examination of the alleged evidence expected to be an important next step. Criminal responsibility has not been established.