Philippines Sets One-Week Deadline to Examine Markle Sr's Seized Computer

Philippine authorities will complete a digital forensic examination of Thomas Markle Sr's computer within one week. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that national police have secured the device for full analysis. He stated he expects results in seven days. The investigation follows claims that the 76-year-old father of Meghan Markle possessed images of child abuse.

The probe began after Markle Sr's son, Thomas Markle Jr, reported finding hundreds of images on computers and phones stored in Cebu. Markle Jr, 60, told detectives the files were in four large boxes at his father's former home. Nicholas Ty, an undersecretary at the justice department, confirmed a taskforce in Cebu is handling the case. The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation said it will support Philippine authorities and investigate any federal violations.

Meghan Markle issued a statement on October 23 through a spokesperson. She described herself as deeply distressed by the allegations. She revealed that the Metropolitan Police shared a 2018 letter with her. The letter contained disturbing claims against her father. She said the Metropolitan Police's Royalty and Specialist Protection unit passed the document shortly after her wedding. She noted she was assured the allegations were under investigation at the time.

Sources indicated Meghan could not speak publicly in 2018 to protect potential legal actions. She said her distance from her father aimed to protect her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. She trusted authorities were doing the same for other families. The Metropolitan Police said it is making internal inquiries to confirm if officers passed the letter. The force has not previously investigated Markle Sr and is not investigating him now.

Markle Sr denied the accusations. He called them sick lies. Speaking from a rehabilitation center in Florida, he said he was shocked and hurt. He is recovering from a stroke that led to the amputation of his left leg. He told the Daily Mail he could never do what he is being accused of. He claimed the computers left his possession when he moved from Mexico to the Philippines in January 2025.

Samantha Markle, Meghan's half-sister, defended their father. She accused Markle Jr of making up lies for money. She said the claims appeared days after their father cut off his funds. She noted the computers were out of his possession for two years, leaving room for tampering.

Markle Sr has not seen his grandchildren since he missed Meghan's wedding to Prince Harry on health grounds. He returned to the United States in May after suffering a stroke in the Philippines. The Cebu taskforce will report its findings after the one-week forensic review concludes.