Philippine police say they will not allow anyone to harm children, as they examine alleged child sexual abuse images linked to belongings handed over by Thomas Markle Jr. The images were allegedly found in possessions of his father, Thomas Markle Sr, who lives in Cebu City and is under investigation. Thomas Markle Sr has denied all allegations and has not been charged. Investigators are working out who downloaded the files, and whether any offences fall under United States or Mexican jurisdiction. An initial forensic examination could take about a week, though the investigation may continue for much longer.
Thomas Markle Snr has denied allegations that he stored hundreds, if not thousands, of child sex abuse images at his Philippines home. The images were allegedly found by his son, Thomas Markle Jnr, who reported him to detectives. Markle Snr said he had never had sex with anyone under 18. Buckingham Palace said the matter was for the Sussex Household. Meghan said she had raised concerns years earlier with the Metropolitan Police, which confirmed it received a letter in 2019 and is reviewing how it handled the matter.
Philippine Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla says a forensic investigation into Thomas Markle Sr, father of the Duchess of Sussex, will be complete within a week. He said all signs point to a possible sex offender of the grossest kind, and the findings will be released once analysed. Remulla said national police found a trove of child pornography materials and a laptop at Markle's former home in Cebu. Markle Sr denies possessing such material but has admitted paying for sex in the country. The Metropolitan Police confirmed it passed a letter with allegations to the couple in 2019.
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Thomas Markle Sr, father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has admitted paying for sex in the Philippines but denies allegations he held child sex abuse images. His half-son, Thomas Markle Jr, reportedly told Philippine police he found such material among family belongings at their father's former home there. Authorities in the Philippines say they are investigating. Thomas Markle Sr says he has never had sex with anyone under 18 and would welcome a forensic examination of his computer.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, says she was told in 2018 of disturbing allegations against her estranged father. She said this was why she kept her children away from him. Thomas Markle denies possessing child sexual abuse material, calling the accusations sick lies. His son, Thomas Markle Jr, says he found such images at their father's former home in the Philippines and reported them to police there and to the FBI in the US. Meghan said she hoped justice would be fully served.
Meghan Markle says she is deeply distressed after reports that her estranged father, Thomas Markle Snr., is being investigated over alleged child sexual abuse images. Her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., says he found the material on devices at their father's former home in Cebu City, Philippines, and reported it to authorities. Philippine authorities have launched an investigation. Thomas Markle Snr. has not responded and has not been arrested or charged. His daughter, Samantha Markle, has denied the allegations, calling them lies.
