Meghan Markle says she knew of her father's abuse allegations in 2018

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, stated on Friday that she was informed of serious allegations against her father in 2018, long before the Philippine Department of Justice began its current investigation. She described herself as deeply distressed by the news that Thomas Markle is facing scrutiny over the alleged possession of child sexual abuse materials.

In a statement provided to CBS News, Meghan wrote that a letter containing troubling and disturbing claims was sent to the Metropolitan Police and its Royalty and Specialist Protection unit in 2018. She noted that she received a copy of that letter and was assured the matter was being investigated. However, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said the force is currently conducting internal enquiries to confirm that officers helped pass on the letter. The police stated they are not currently investigating Markle.

The investigation in the Philippines is being handled by the Department of Justice's anti-trafficking task force. A Filipino justice official confirmed that the probe involves an octogenarian American national who allegedly left child abuse videos and photos in his home in Cebu province. The Department of Justice confirmed that Thomas Markle Sr. is the subject of the inquiry.

The allegations reportedly came to light when Thomas Markle Jr. found digital files in storage boxes at the family home. He discovered the materials while his father was in the United States receiving treatment for a stroke and blood clot. Markle Jr. said he first saw the content after turning on an old cell phone at the residence.

Markle Jr. reported the findings to the FBI hotline, the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children, and state police in Pennsylvania in July. He filed a formal report with Philippine authorities recently, according to The Sun. In a statement to the Daily Mail, Thomas Markle Sr. denied the claims, saying he had never downloaded such files and called the accusations sick lies.

Meghan addressed her estrangement from her father in her statement, explaining that she distanced herself from him to protect her children. She said her choice to limit contact was made for one reason: to ensure their safety and protection. She expressed her hope that justice will be fully served in the ongoing case.

The Metropolitan Police acknowledged media reports regarding the 2018 letter but did not provide further details on the content of the document. The Philippine News Agency confirmed the investigation through a social media post on Friday.