Thomas Markle investigation heats up as Meghan’s half-brother named as person of interest
Police have shared an update on his child sex abuse material allegations as a surprising person of interest is identified.
Authorities have named Meghan Markle’s half-brother as a person of interest as the investigation into her father’s allegations of child sex abuse material heats up.
The Philippines’ interior and local government secretary Jonvic Remulla said there were “signs that point that the son is involved in the crime as well” as Thomas Markle Sr.
Mr Remulla said that Thomas Markle Jr was not being treated as a suspect.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“We’re determining if son is involved. There are signs that point that the son is involved in the crime as well but only as a person of interest so far,” Mr Remulla.
“We will know in the next few days.”
Mr Markle Jr, who remains in the Philippines, prompted the initial investigation into his father after he reportedly handed over electronic devices and other belongings to police in the Philippines after allegedly discovering disturbing material.
More than 7000 photos and one video – all of under-age males and females of Asian, Latin and European descent, with some as young as 10 and 11 – were uncovered, Mr Remulla said.
He described the images as “the most deplorable displays of impunity towards sexual activity that I have ever seen”.
Thursday’s development followed reports Markle Jr had also alerted the FBI to two storage units in Los Angeles, just days after a raid by Mexican police on a storage unit Markle Sr is said to have rented near his former home in Rosarito, Mexico.
A spokesman for Meghan declined to comment.
‘Intensifying’ investigation leads to shocking discovery
Philippine police on Wednesday said that child sexual abuse material had been found on a mobile phone and three memory cards handed over by Meghan Markle’s estranged father.
Last week, the authorities said they were investigating a laptop, which was found alongside images depicting child abuse at a property believed to be the 82-year-old’s former residence.
Philippine interior minister Jonvic Remulla said “appropriate legal actions” would be taken, should sufficient evidence be found.
On Wednesday, Philippine national police chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jnr said the investigation into the 82-year-old was “intensifying” and that child abuse material had been located.
“It is not enough to simply come across some materials and immediately draw conclusions,” he said.
“We have to establish where these came from, who may be responsible and whether Philippine laws were violated.”
Interview obstacle
Last week it was revealed that Mr Markle had been moved into a specialist dementia care facility.
Last Friday, the 82-year-old moved into a memory care facility in Florida.
Legal experts warned that his reported dementia diagnosis may prevent him from being formally interviewed.
Florida lawyer Spencer Kuvin, who has represented victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, said investigators could face significant legal obstacles.
“You can’t just barge into a memory care facility and conduct an interview,” he told The Sun.
“Any decent lawyer would be able to get that interview struck and the FBI know that.”
Mr Markle has experienced significant health problems in recent years, including a stroke in 2022 and the amputation of his left leg following a blood clot in late 2025.
- With AP
If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
