Meghan Markle distressed by father abuse-image claims

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, said Friday she was “deeply distressed” by allegations that her estranged father, Thomas Markle, had possessed images of child abuse.

The Sun and Daily Mail reported that images had allegedly been found among Thomas Markle's belongings at his former home in the Philippines. Thomas Markle told the Daily Mail the allegations were “sick lies.”

Meghan said she had seen a letter in 2018 sent to London's Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection that made similar allegations about her father. She said she was given assurances that the allegations were being investigated.

The Metropolitan Police said it was “undertaking enquiries internally” to confirm what Meghan said about the letter. The FBI said it was aware of the allegations and would support Philippine authorities as appropriate, and would investigate any related allegations of federal violations of US law.

Meghan said the allegations were the reason she had kept her father from having contact with her children, Archie and Lilibet. Thomas Markle did not attend Meghan's 2018 wedding to Prince Harry and has remained estranged from her.