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ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship says he has seen the letter passed to Meghan Markle in 2018 containing allegations about Thomas Markle which persuaded the Duchess of Sussex to cut off contact with her father
The Duchess of Sussex has said a letter detailing “troubling and disturbing” allegations about her father was shared with her eight years ago, following reports of child abuse images being found in his home.
The Sun Newspaper reported on Thursday that the material was found by his son, Thomas Markle Jr, in his home in Cebu, in the Philippines.
The Philippine Department of Justice confirmed they are investigating on October 23.
In a statement on Friday, Meghan said her thoughts were with any children who “may have been harmed”.
The Duchess said she hoped it was understood why she had distanced herself from her father, stating that it was for the protection of her own two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, whom she shares with Prince Harry.
“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,” the Duchess said on Friday.
Meghan and Harry have been estranged from Thomas Markle since 2018 Credit: PA
“In 2018, a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection. That letter was subsequently shared with me. It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated.
“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.
“I trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families.
“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.”
Thomas Markle denied possessing child abuse images to the Daily Mail on Friday, stating that he is “shocked and hurt” by the accusations made by his son, Thomas Markle Jr.
“I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of. This is bulls**t. It’s just a bunch of lies. It’s sick,” he told the newspaper.
Markle has been estranged from Meghan since 2018, the same year she married Harry. He has never met the couple’s children.
ITV News has seen the letter, which does not contain any allegations of crimes committed in the UK. It is understood the Duchess saw the letter, which she says was passed to the Met after her wedding.
Markle, a former Hollywood lighting director, moved to the Philippines in 2025, but his daughter Samantha said he was back in the US earlier this year, due to medical needs. He is currently in Florida, recovering from a leg amputation.
Philippine DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Ty, who is in charge of the Interagency Council Against Trafficking, told ITV News the complaint against Markle is being investigated.
“Our Anti-Trafficking and Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children taskforce in Cebu is currently investigating the matter,” Ty said.
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This is the Talking Royals – our weekly podcast about the royal family, with ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship and Producer Lizzie Robinson