Philippine police set seven-day deadline for digital probe of Markle Sr's computer

Philippine police have set a one-week deadline to complete a digital forensic examination of a computer belonging to Thomas Markle Sr, the estranged father of the Duchess of Sussex. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that national police secured the device for review. He expected results within seven days. The probe follows reports that Markle Jr, 60, discovered hundreds, if not thousands, of child sexual abuse images on devices stored in four boxes at a former family home in Cebu.

Meghan issued a statement through a spokesperson after The Sun newspaper reported the findings. She described herself as deeply distressed by the allegations. The duchess revealed that the Metropolitan Police shared a letter with her in 2018 that contained disturbing claims against her father. She said the letter was sent to the Met and its Royalty and Specialist Protection unit, known as Rasp. Sources indicated the unit passed the document to her shortly after her wedding. She stated she trusted authorities were investigating to protect other families. She also said her decision to limit contact with her father was intended to protect her children.

Thomas Markle Sr denied the claims from a rehabilitation center in Florida. He is recovering from a blood clot that required the amputation of his left leg. He told the Daily Mail that he was shocked and hurt by the accusations. Markle Sr asserted that he has not possessed the computers since leaving Rosarito, Mexico, in January 2025 to move to the Philippines. He described the accusations as sick lies and said he could never do what he is being accused of.

The Metropolitan Police is conducting internal inquiries to confirm whether Rasp officers passed the 2018 letter to Meghan. The force has not previously investigated Markle Sr and is not doing so currently. It is understood she could not speak publicly in 2018 because doing so might have jeopardized future investigations or exposed her to legal action.

Markle Jr has also contacted the FBI. The agency said it will support Philippine authorities and investigate any related federal violations of US law. Nicholas Ty, an undersecretary at the Philippine justice department, confirmed a human trafficking and child sexual exploitation taskforce in Cebu is handling the case.

Samantha Markle, the duchess's half-sister, defended their father. She accused Markle Jr of making up lies to make money, noting the claims emerged days after their father cut off his funds. She argued the computers were out of their father's possession for two years, which she said leaves room for tampering. Markle Sr has been estranged from his daughter since he missed her wedding to Prince Harry on health grounds. He has never met his grandchildren, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.