Meghan said she is "deeply distressed" after a 2018 letter containing accusations against her father was sent to London police and that images depicting child abuse were uncovered at his former residence in Cebu.
Meghan explained the letter, which she says prompted assurances that the matter was under investigation, and that her decision to keep her father away from her children remains motivated by their safety.
Thomas Markle Jr. reported that he found "hundreds, if not thousands" of explicit images in boxes while clearing his father's property, and he said he will not speak to his father unless called to testify.
Philippine National Bureau of Investigation director Melvin Matibag confirmed the FBI had requested assistance; the NBI’s Anti‑Violence Against Women and Children Division was notified, but the alleged material has yet to be formally transferred to authorities.
Thomas Markle Sr., 82, denied the allegations in a Daily Mail interview, calling them "shocking" and "unbelievable"; he had suffered a stroke earlier this year and currently resides in the United States after returning from the Philippines.
Meghan, who married Prince Harry in 2018 and has two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, stressed that her estrangement is a protective measure and urged that justice be served and child safety remain the priority.