Thomas Markle investigation: Police find child sex abuse material on seized device of Meghan’s estranged dad
Philippine authorities have issued a major update on their ‘intensifying’ investigation into Meghan Markle’s dad.
An “intensifying” investigation into Thomas Markle has led to the discovery of child sex abuse material, police say.
On Wednesday, Philippine police said child sexual abuse material had been found on a mobile phone and three memory cards handed over by Meghan Markle’s estranged father, the South China Morning Post reported.
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.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.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.”
The investigation into Mr Markle began last month, when his son, Thomas Markle Jnr, reportedly handed over electronic devices and other belongings to police in the Philippines after allegedly discovering disturbing material.
The items, which included computers, phones, memory cards and DVDs, are now being examined by authorities.
Mr Markle has denied any wrongdoing.
Interview obstacle
The update comes days after 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.
‘Oh damn’
Last week, authorities raided a storage unit rented by Mr Markle in Mexico.
It is believed that he had not paid rent since 2024 but some of his belongings remained inside.
After an anonymous tip about the unit, Guardia Nacional officers, identified as state sex crime investigators, swooped in on the Baja Storage unit just after midnight local time on Saturday.
The team, comprised of forensic computing experts, a crime scene investigator and officials from the Baja California state attorney general’s office, could be seen rummaging through overfull boxes by torch light.
According to the Daily Mail, one officer recoiled while viewing some of the material, exclaiming “ay cabron”, which is a Spanish phrase translating to “oh, damn”.
A copy of the search warrant obtained by the Daily Mail reveals investigators were authorised by a judge to look for “evidence consisting of child sexual abuse material” and “the alleged commission of the crime of human trafficking in its aggravated form”.
Police itemised and seized material including a computer, thumb drives, VHS tapes and a stack of magazines before closing up and sealing the unit with an official seizure notice.
The unit is now locked and plastered with posters from Mexican Guardia Nacional saying the items within have been seized.
No charges against Mr Markle have been reported in connection with the alleged material.
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.
