DEVELOPING STORY | OCTOBER 22, 2026
Thomas Markle Sr., the 82-year-old estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is reportedly being investigated in the Philippines after his son alleged that he discovered material depicting child sexual abuse among belongings at a residence in Cebu.
The allegations were reported by The Sun on October 22, 2026. Thomas Markle Jr. told the newspaper that he contacted authorities in the Philippines and the United States after his discovery. The allegations are unproven, and we have not independently confirmed any criminal charges or arrest.
What Thomas Markle Jr. alleges
According to The Sun’s reporting, Thomas Jr. says he found boxes containing printed photographs and digital files while going through possessions at his father’s former home in Cebu. The reported quantity and contents of those files are claims attributed to Thomas Jr., not findings independently verified by Royally Inspired. His account is the basis for much of the subsequent coverage.
Thomas Jr. says he notified Philippine police and contacted the FBI and other U.S. organizations. The precise chain of custody, ownership and origin of the alleged material have not been publicly established through independently reviewed evidence.
What is known about the authorities’ response
People reports that the FBI acknowledged receiving the report. That is an important distinction: receiving a tip or complaint does not itself establish that a formal federal investigation has begun. Reporting also indicates that a Philippine police unit specializing in cases involving women and children is handling the allegations.
As of this initial report, we have not independently verified an official investigative finding, forensic examination result, arrest or criminal charge concerning Thomas Markle Sr. No conclusion about his involvement or guilt should be drawn from the allegations alone.
Samantha Markle disputes the claims
A second account emerged Thursday. Samantha Markle has challenged her brother’s allegations, according to Page Six. She questioned whether files reportedly found among items left in Cebu could be reliably attributed to their father and accused Thomas Jr. of acting from personal motives. Those assertions, too, are unverified and should be treated as her position rather than established fact.
The conflicting family accounts leave fundamental questions unanswered, including who had access to the possessions and devices, what investigators have examined and whether any alleged evidence can be authenticated. Any official investigative findings would materially change our understanding of the case.
Meghan and Harry have not commented
Meghan has been publicly estranged from her father since the period surrounding her 2018 marriage to Prince Harry. People reports that representatives for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex declined to comment on the latest allegations. There is no verified basis for linking these claims to the reasons for their estrangement or suggesting Meghan knew of them.
What happens next
We are watching for official statements from Philippine or U.S. authorities, confirmation of investigative steps and any response from Thomas Markle Sr. We will add substantive developments to this story with clearly identified update times, while preserving the distinction between allegations, statements from family members and independently confirmed facts.
Editor’s note: This is a developing report first published October 22, 2026. The allegations described here have not been proven, and an investigation or report to law enforcement does not establish guilt.
Sources and further reading
The Sun · People · Page Six · New York Post
