Thomas Markle Sr may be ‘sex offender of the grossest kind’, says Philippine minister

Philippine Interior Minister said preliminary indications suggested Markle Sr could be implicated in serious offences, but stressed that a full forensic examination of the material was needed before any definitive conclusions could be reached. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

First Published: Monday, 26 Oct 2026 9:49 AM MYT

MANILA, Oct 26 — Philippine authorities are investigating allegations that digital images suspected to depict child sexual abuse were found at a former residence of Thomas Markle Sr, the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, officials said.

Philippine Interior Minister said preliminary indications suggested Markle Sr could be implicated in serious offences, but stressed that a full forensic examination of the material was needed before any definitive conclusions could be reached. 

Authorities are analysing digital files reportedly discovered at Markle Sr’s former home in Cebu, according to a report by The Guardian.

The allegations surfaced after Thomas Markle Jr, Meghan’s half-brother, reported to authorities last week that he had apparently uncovered a collection of suspected child sexual abuse images. 

According to the report, investigators are carrying out forensic analysis of the material as part of an ongoing inquiry. 

Markle Sr, who has long been estranged from his daughter, has denied possessing child sexual abuse images, the report said. 

The allegations have attracted international attention because of Markle Sr’s connection to the Duchess of Sussex. No charges have been announced, and Philippine authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.