Meghan Markle’s father denies allegations as Philippine authorities examine his computer

Thomas Markle Sr, the estranged father of Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has admitted paying for sex during visits to the Philippines but denied allegations that he possessed child sexual abuse images. Philippine authorities are investigating the claims after his son, Thomas Markle Jr, reportedly told police he had found such material at his father’s former home.

Markle Jr alleged that the images and videos were mixed with family photographs and personal belongings. He also reportedly contacted the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in July. The agency has confirmed it is aware of the matter.

In an interview with the Daily Mail on Sunday, Markle Sr denied possessing the material or engaging in sexual activity with underage girls. He said he was willing to cooperate with investigators in the Philippines or the US.

"I have not had my computer or phones for nearly two years. If there is anything bad on there, it was put there by someone else," he said.

Philippine police examine computer

Philippine authorities have confirmed that they are looking into the allegations. Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla said the national police had secured Markle’s computer for a digital forensic examination.

Markle Sr has acknowledged paying for sex during previous visits to the country but maintained that this was not a crime. The allegations against him remain under investigation.

The Metropolitan Police in the UK also confirmed on Saturday that it had received a letter containing several claims about Markle in 2019. The force said the letter had been shared with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the time and that it was now reviewing how the matter was handled.

Meghan says distance was meant to protect children

Meghan said she was deeply distressed by the allegations against her father. In a statement released on Friday, she expressed concern for any children who may have been harmed.

"I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications' distortion over the years, any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children was for one reason: to protect them," she said.

Meghan has been estranged from her father since 2018, when he withdrew from her wedding to Prince Harry, citing health problems. She has since kept him away from her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Reports said Meghan had written to her father about the allegations while he was recovering in a Philippine hospital after having his leg amputated.

Meanwhile, Markle Jr has apologised to Meghan for previously siding with their father, saying he now believed he had been protecting the wrong person.

Markle Sr, 82, moved to the Philippines last year after suffering several strokes. He is reportedly staying at a rehabilitation centre in Florida, where he is learning to walk again following the amputation.