Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas Markle Sr., is being investigated for possession of child pornography, according to a new report.
Thomas Sr.’s son, Thomas Markle Jr., the Duchess of Sussex’s half-brother, made the discovery, per The Sun.
The illicit material was found at Thomas Sr.’s home in Cebu, Philippines, in four large boxes that contained “hundreds, if not thousands” of child pornographic images, according to the outlet. Thomas Jr. allegedly found videos of girls no older than 10 or 11 years old engaged in sexual acts, as well as a 15-minute video of naked girls on his father’s old cellphone.
Thomas Jr. also claimed to have found three photos of naked girls. He told reporters that one image appeared to have been taken at his father’s former home in Rosarito, Mexico.
The 60-year-old said he reported his 82-year-old father to the “cops,” the outlet reported. The Philippine police department did not immediately respond to reporters request for confirmation.
A representative for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had no comment when reached by reporters.
Thomas Jr. also “reported his discovery to the FBI Hotline, the US-based National Centre for Exploited and Missing Children and the state police in Pennsylvania where his father was living,” on July 10, according to The Sun.
“When I found this material I was horrified and I had no option but to report my dad,” Thomas Jr. told The Sun.
“I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years — but that stops now,” he said, according to The Sun. Thomas Jr. has been caring for his father amid his ongoing health issues, including his 2022 stroke. “I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him.”
“What I saw made me sick to the stomach — all this stuff was just dumped on me and I didn’t know what to do,” he said. “I knew right away it was highly illegal and would land me in jail for a long time if I didn’t get rid of it. I felt betrayed, angry and disgusted — and realized I had to report him.”
According to The Sun, the FBI “confirmed receipt” of Thomas Jr.’s affidavit are “set to launch their own probe.”
A source “close to the case” told The Sun, “An FBI agent has already requested the contact details of investigators leading the case in the Philippines.”
Additionally, the outlet reports “Investigators from the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking on Thursday appointed a task force run by the specialist Women and Children’s Protection Centre.”
Meghan has been estranged from her father since the lead-up to her May 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. Thomas Sr. was expected to walk her down the aisle but ultimately did not attend following a controversy involving staged paparazzi photos and reported health problems. King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, stepped in to accompany Meghan partway down the aisle. The father and daughter have remained estranged ever since.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
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