Philippine authorities investigate Thomas Markle, father of Meghan, after claims of child sexual abuse images
Philippine authorities are investigating Thomas Markle, the father of the Duchess of Sussex, following allegations regarding the possession of child sexual abuse imagery. Meghan Markle expressed distress over the claims and confirmed she has been estranged from her father since 2018.
Why it matters
The involvement of a high-profile royal family member's relative in a serious criminal investigation has significant public interest and legal implications.
MANILA/LONDON (Reuters): Authorities in the Philippines are investigating Thomas Markle, father of Meghan, the wife of Britain's Prince Harry, the Philippine justice undersecretary said on Friday, after allegations he possessed child sexual abuse images.
"Our Anti-Trafficking and Anti-OSAEC (online sexual abuse and exploitation of children) task force in Cebu is currently investigating the matter," Nicholas Ty, Philippine justice undersecretary, told Reuters.
Reuters could not immediately reach Thomas Markle for comment but he was quoted by the Daily Mail newspaper in Britain as saying the allegations against him were untrue and "sick lies".
Meghan, who married King Charles' younger son and whose royal title is the Duchess of Sussex, said she was "deeply distressed" over the allegations, first published in Britain's the Sun newspaper on Friday.
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Philippine Authorities Investigate Child Abuse Material Allegations Against Thomas Markle Senior
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