Meghan Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., is under investigation in the Philippines after authorities allegedly discovered child sexual abuse material at his former home.
Philippine Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla told The Guardian that investigators are examining digital evidence linked to Thomas, 82, before deciding whether to bring criminal charges.
“Right now all signs point to a possible sex offender of the grossest kind,” Remulla said. “We want to be sure before we release the findings.”
Authorities are reportedly examining a laptop and other electronic devices recovered from Thomas’ former residence in Cebu. The investigation began after Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., allegedly discovered “hundreds, if not thousands” of child sexual abuse images among his father’s belongings and contacted authorities.
Thomas Sr. has strongly denied the accusations.
“This is bulls–t. It’s just a bunch of lies. It’s sick,” he told the Daily Mail.
Meghan, 45, previously revealed that she learned of troubling allegations against her father in 2019.
In a recent statement, the Duchess of Sussex said she was “deeply distressed” by the latest revelations. She also defended her decision to prevent Thomas from meeting her children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.
“My choice to not allow him to have contact with our children, was for one reason: to protect them,” she said.