Thomas Markle Jr. says he had 'no option' but to report his father, Thomas Markle Sr, after he allegedly found suspected child sexual abuse material among family belongings in Cebu, the Philippines. The claims, reported on Thursday, 22 October, have prompted inquiries by Philippine authorities and possible action by the FBI, but the allegations have not been proven in court.
The case has also brought fresh attention to Meghan Markle's long-running split from her father, whom she has been estranged from since 2018. However, the family has given different accounts of the claims, and the reported findings must still be examined by investigators.
What Thomas Jr. Says He Found
Thomas Jr., 60, said he first came across the suspected material while looking for a mobile phone for his girlfriend's father. According to his account, he found an old LG phone among his father's stored belongings in Cebu. He claimed that a video on the phone led him to report what he had found to the authorities.
The reported discovery later led Thomas Jr. to look through four boxes of family belongings and seek help from a computer expert. He claimed the boxes held old phones, hard drives, books, family videos and other items, alongside the suspected images. He also said the computer expert helped him find more material on three hard drives.
Thomas Jr. said he felt he had to act after seeing the material. 'When I found this material I was horrified and I had no option but to report my dad,' he said. He also stated that he would no longer support or care for his father and would only speak to him again if he had to give evidence against him.
Police Probe Reported
Thomas Jr. said he first contacted US authorities on 10 July 2026, including the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police and the National Centre for Missing & Exploited Children. He later gave authorities in the Philippines a sworn statement about what he said he had found. The claims have since drawn attention to possible inquiries in both countries.
Philippine investigators have reportedly formed a task force involving the country's Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and a specialist unit that handles cases involving women and children. Reports also say investigators plan to collect the boxes for further examination.
The FBI has reportedly confirmed receiving Thomas Jr.'s statement, but it does not confirm that a full US investigation has begun. Thomas Sr.'s response to the claims was not included in the initial reports.
Samantha Markle Denies Claims
Samantha Markle, Thomas Sr.'s daughter and Meghan's half-sister, has strongly rejected her brother's claims. She reportedly called the allegations false and accused Thomas Jr. of trying to harm their father's name. She also claimed he wanted to make money from the story.
Samantha also disputed where the computers and boxes had been kept before the alleged discovery. She said the computers were packed in Mexico and shipped to the Philippines, where they were kept in storage rather than under her father's direct care. She further claimed that her father had not accessed the computers for two years.
Meghan Breaks Her Silence
Meghan has also spoken about the allegations, saying she was deeply upset by the news. In a statement released on Friday, 23 October, she said her thoughts were with any children who may have been harmed. She also revealed that a letter containing claims about her father had been sent to London's Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection in 2018.
Meghan said the letter had been shared with her and that she had been told the claims were being investigated. She explained that her decision to stay away from her father and not allow him contact with her children was intended to protect them. She also said she hoped justice would be served and that the safety of children would remain the priority.
Meghan and Thomas Sr. have been estranged since 2018, the year she married Prince Harry. Her father did not attend the wedding after a dispute over staged paparazzi photos and reported health problems, while King Charles, then Prince of Wales, walked Meghan part of the way down the aisle. The latest claims have renewed attention on their relationship, but the outcome of the reported investigation remains unknown.
