Philippine forensics team given one week to process Markle Sr's digital files

Thomas Markle Sr will wait one week for a full digital forensic examination of his computer, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. The national police in the Philippines have secured the device as part of an investigation into alleged child sexual abuse images found at the former's home in Cebu. This timeline provides a specific deadline for determining the digital evidence that could support or refute claims made by Markle Sr's half-brother.

Meghan Markle issued a statement through a spokesperson on Thursday, describing herself as deeply distressed by the allegations. She disclosed that the Metropolitan Police shared a letter with her in 2018, shortly after her wedding. The document, sent to the force's Royalty and Specialist Protection unit, contained disturbing accusations against her father. Meghan said she was assured the authorities were investigating the matter at the time.

In her statement, Meghan explained that her decision to limit contact between her father and her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was driven by a desire to protect them. She noted that she trusted other authorities to do the same for other families. Sources indicate that Meghan could not speak publicly in 2018 because doing so might have jeopardized future investigations or exposed her to legal action. The Met has not previously investigated Markle Sr and is not currently doing so, though internal inquiries are underway to confirm whether officers passed the letter to the duchess.

The investigation began after Thomas Markle Jr, 60, told detectives he found hundreds or thousands of images on computers and mobile phones stored in four boxes in Cebu. Markle Sr lived in the Philippines until May, when he returned to the United States following a stroke. The FBI stated it will support Philippine authorities and investigate any federal violations of US law. Markle Sr has denied the claims, calling them sick lies and saying the computers were not in his possession since he moved to the Philippines in January 2025.

From a rehabilitation center in Florida, where Markle Sr is learning to walk with a prosthetic limb, he said he was shocked and hurt by the news. He noted that his left leg was amputated due to a blood clot. His half-sister, Samantha Markle, defended him by accusing Markle Jr of fabricating lies to make money. She alleged the claims surfaced days after their father cut off his financial support and argued that the computers had been out of his possession for two years, leaving room for tampering. Markle Sr has remained estranged from Meghan since he missed her wedding on health grounds and has never met his grandchildren.