Meghan Markle has broken her silence about her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., following disturbing allegations involving child sexual abuse images, revealing that her decision to keep him away from her children was rooted in concerns for their safety.
The Duchess of Sussex, 45, issued a rare and deeply personal statement on Friday, October 23, 2026, after reports emerged that her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., had accused their father of possessing child sexual abuse material.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupThe allegations have prompted an investigation in the Philippines, where Thomas Markle Sr., 82, previously lived. He has strongly denied the accusations, describing them as "sick lies." No wrongdoing has been found.
For Meghan, however, the controversy has brought renewed attention to her complicated relationship with her father, including a revelation about allegations she says were brought to her attention eight years ago.
Meghan Markle's Statement About Her Father Reveals New Details
In her statement, shared with multiple news organizations, including PEOPLE and Sky News, Meghan expressed concern for children who may have been harmed and explained why she has maintained her distance from her father.
© Getty Images"I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed," the Duchess said.
She revealed that in 2018, shortly after marrying Prince Harry, she became aware of a letter sent to London's Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection containing allegations against her father. According to Meghan, the letter was subsequently shared with her, and authorities assured her that the allegations were being investigated.
The Duchess also addressed years of public speculation surrounding her estrangement from Thomas Markle, saying her decision to keep him away from Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet was made to protect her children.
© Meghan MarkleShe emphasized that she trusted the authorities to safeguard other families as well. Meghan concluded her statement by expressing hope that justice would be served and that protecting innocent children would remain the priority.
What Are the Allegations Against Thomas Markle Sr.?
The latest controversy began after British newspaper The Sun reported allegations made by Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr. According to the report, Thomas Jr. claimed to have discovered hundreds, potentially thousands, of child sexual abuse images stored on electronic devices among belongings at his father's former residence in Cebu, Philippines.
© Getty ImagesHe reportedly alerted Philippine authorities and contacted the FBI. The Philippine Department of Justice has confirmed that the matter is under investigation. Officials have also said that police secured a computer for digital forensic examination.
Thomas Markle Sr. Denies Allegations Against Him
Thomas Markle Sr. has responded forcefully to the accusations made by his son. Speaking to the Daily Mail from a rehabilitation facility in Florida, the former television lighting director said he was shocked and hurt by the allegations. "I'm shocked, I'm hurt and I'm very upset that my son is making these accusations against me," he said.
He insisted he could never commit the acts of which he was being accused and questioned why his son would make such claims. Thomas Sr. also maintained that the computers at the center of the allegations had not been in his possession since he left Mexico in January 2025.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupThe 82-year-old is recovering after having his left leg amputated because of a blood clot and is undergoing rehabilitation with a prosthetic limb.
Why Did Meghan Markle Stop Speaking to Her Father?
Meghan Markle and her father have had a strained relationship since the weeks leading up to her May 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. Thomas Markle Sr. had originally been expected to walk his daughter down the aisle at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.
However, the wedding preparations became overshadowed by controversy involving staged paparazzi photographs and his subsequent health problems.
© DPPA/Sipa USAThomas eventually missed the ceremony, citing medical issues. At the time, Meghan publicly expressed concern for his health and requested privacy for him.
Prince Charles, now King Charles III, ultimately accompanied Meghan for part of her walk down the aisle. In the years that followed, Thomas Markle gave several television and newspaper interviews discussing his estrangement from his daughter, repeatedly expressing his desire to reconnect.
Has Thomas Markle Ever Met Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet?
Thomas Markle Sr. has never met Meghan and Prince Harry's two children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. Over the years, he has publicly expressed disappointment about being unable to develop a relationship with his grandchildren.
During a 2023 appearance on Good Morning Britain, he again appealed for an opportunity to see them. The relationship appeared to take a small step toward renewed communication in December 2025, when Thomas was hospitalized in the Philippines and underwent a leg amputation.
© meghanAt the time, Meghan's spokesperson confirmed that she had attempted to contact her father privately and that correspondence had reached him. The development raised questions about whether reconciliation might eventually be possible.
However, Meghan's October 2026 statement makes clear that her concerns about her children's protection remain central to her decision to maintain distance.
