Buckingham Palace ‘blindsided’ by Thomas Markle allegations as Harry, Meghan face new family turmoil: expert
Reports that Thomas Markle Jr. found hundreds or possibly thousands of images of child sexual abuse at his father’s former home in the Philippines have prompted investigations by Philippine authorities, with FBI assistance requested. Meghan Markle said she was deeply distressed and that her estrangement from her father was intended to protect her children; the allegations remain disputed, and Thomas Markle Sr. denies them.
Commentator Kinsey Schofield said Buckingham Palace was reportedly unaware of the allegations before they were reported, though the article provides no independent confirmation of that account. Meghan referred to a 2018 letter to police, but the Metropolitan Police said it received the letter in January 2019; her spokesperson accepted the police record as authoritative. ITV News reported the letter was written by Markle Sr.’s first wife and contained earlier allegations, which he also denies.
In short
- Philippine authorities are investigating allegations against Thomas Markle Sr.
- Thomas Markle Jr. says he reported finding hundreds or thousands of images.
- Meghan says her estrangement was intended to protect her children.
Explained simply
Thomas Markle Sr. is Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s father. They have been estranged for several years, and Meghan has said she kept her distance to protect her children. Her husband, Prince Harry, is the younger son of King Charles III; the royal household is based at Buckingham Palace.
The latest allegations concern images reportedly found at a former home of Markle Sr. in the Philippines, prompting an investigation by local authorities, who have asked for FBI assistance. The claims remain disputed, and Markle Sr. denies them. The case has renewed attention on the family’s estrangement and on what the royal household knew about the allegations.