Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, announced on Friday that she is "deeply distressed" following media reports alleging her late father, Thomas Markle, possessed images of child sexual abuse. The claims emerged after British tabloids said such material was discovered at his former residence in the Philippines, prompting the Sussexes to reaffirm their decision to keep him away from their children.
**What were the key details of the allegations?**
- The Sun, Daily Mail and Telegraph reported that investigators found the alleged images among Thomas Markle's belongings in the Philippines.
- Meghan disclosed that in 2018 she had seen a letter sent to the [Metropolitan Police](https://www.met.police.uk) containing similar accusations, which she said was being investigated at the time.
- She emphasized her concern for any potential victims, stating, "My thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed."
**How did Meghan respond publicly?**
In a statement released on Friday, the Duchess said, "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." She added that her decision to block her father's contact with her two children—Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five—was solely motivated by a desire to protect them from possible danger.
**Background on the Sussex family’s royal ties**
[Prince Harry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Harry,_Duke_of_Sussex) married Meghan in May 2018 at Windsor Castle, an event attended by the British royal family except for Thomas Markle. The couple stepped back from official royal duties in 2020 and relocated to North America amid a protracted family dispute. They returned to the United Kingdom in August of this year, resuming a lower‑profile presence.
**What does Meghan hope for moving forward?**
Meghan concluded her statement by expressing a wish for justice, saying, "Although the breadth of what has now been uncovered is more sickening than one could ever imagine, my sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children."
The allegations have reignited public scrutiny of the former royal couple and raised questions about the handling of historic abuse claims within high‑profile families.