Meghan Markle ‘Deeply Distressed’ by Allegations Against Her Father

LONDON — Prince Harry’s wife, Meghan, expressed deep distress Friday regarding allegations that child sexual abuse images were discovered at her father’s former home. She also confirmed that a letter bearing troubling allegations about him had been sent to London police in 2018.

Meghan, known as the Duchess of Sussex, spoke out after a British tabloid reported that her brother discovered the images while clearing out their father Thomas Markle Sr.’s residence in the Philippines.

“I am deeply distressed by the news that has emerged in the past 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed,” Meghan stated.

She addressed a letter previously sent to the Metropolitan Police Service’s Royal and Specialist Protection unit, which was later shared with her.

“The letter made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father,” Meghan said. “I was assured these were being investigated. I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media distortions over the years, the distance I’ve maintained from my father and my decision to deny him contact with our children were solely intended to protect them.”

Meghan, the American actress known for her role in “Suits,” married Harry at Windsor Castle in 2018. The couple shares two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Thomas Markle Sr., a retired television lighting and photography director, did not attend the wedding, sparking widespread media coverage of Meghan’s estrangement from her father. While some reports suggested she distanced herself due to her royal status, Meghan emphasized her decision was driven by a desire to protect her children.

“While the full scope of what has come to light is more disturbing than imaginable, my sincerest hope is that justice is fully served and that the safety and protection of innocent children remain the priority,” Meghan stated.

Thomas Markle Sr. was in the Philippines earlier this year when he suffered a stroke and had his left leg amputated, forcing his return to the United States.

The Sun reported that Thomas Markle Jr. uncovered “hundreds, if not thousands” of child sex abuse images in boxes at his father’s former home in Cebu while clearing the property.

Markle Jr. told the newspaper he reported the images to Philippine police and contacted the FBI in the U.S.

“I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years — but that stops now,” Markle Jr. told The Sun. “I will not speak to my father ever again unless I am called to give evidence against him.”

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