Meghan Markle “distressed” after learning of “sickening” allegations against her father | BBC News

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Meghan Markle says she was informed about "disturbing allegations" about her estranged father Thomas Markle in 2018. He is being investigated by the authorities in the Philippines over allegations relating to images of child abuse. In a statement, Meghan said a letter containing allegations against Thomas Markle was sent to the UK police that year and subsequently shared with her. She described the allegations as "more sickening than one could ever imagine" and said her "sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children". Her comments come after reports that images of child sexual abuse allegedly belonging to her father had been found at his former home in the Philippines. Thomas Markle, who is 82 and based in the US, denies possessing any such images and describes the claims as “sick lies”. Meghan Markle 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 said that when she received the letter outlining allegations against her father, she was "given assurance that these were being investigated". She added she hoped it could be understood why she had kept her distance from her father and did "not allow him to have contact with our children". This was "to protect them", Meghan said, adding that she had "trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families". Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Markle junior, told the Sun newspaper that he had found child abuse images at his father's home in the Philippines and reported it to the police. The Philippines Department of Justice told the BBC that "the matter is currently being investigated" by an anti-human trafficking and child sexual exploitation task force. The country’s interior minister told the BBC that national police had secured Thomas Markle’s computer to conduct a comprehensive digital forensic examination. Harry and Meghan and their two children returned to the UK in August after six years in the US. Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Jonny Dymond.. Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news #BBCNews