Philippine authorities have named Thomas Markle Jr., half-brother of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, as a person of interest in an ongoing investigation into alleged child sexual abuse material linked to their father, Thomas Markle Sr.
The development follows reports that Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated investigators are examining whether Markle Jr. was involved in the case. Remulla clarified that Markle Jr. is not currently considered a suspect but remains under scrutiny as authorities assess evidence. The investigation centers on claims that underage girls were allegedly brought to a residence connected to the case.
FBI to search newly uncovered storage units in Los Angeles
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is preparing to search two previously undisclosed storage units in Los Angeles rented by Thomas Markle Sr., according to reports. The units reportedly contain Meghan Markle’s former belongings and memorabilia from Markle Sr.’s career. Thomas Markle Jr. has provided the FBI with the locations of the units, stating his father had stored items there for approximately 15 years.
Markle Jr. told The Sun that he dreads the potential findings, given recent discoveries in Mexico and the Philippines. Earlier this month, authorities in Rosarito, Mexico, raided a storage locker rented by Markle Sr. after a tip from Markle Jr., uncovering alleged child abuse material. Philippine police also seized evidence from Markle Sr.’s former residence in Cebu, including devices containing approximately 500 files of suspected child sexual abuse material.
Thomas Markle Sr. denies all allegations
Thomas Markle Sr., 82, has vehemently denied the allegations against him. In a statement to the Daily Mail, he called the claims "a bunch of lies" and "sick." He asserted that the computers and devices in question had not been in his possession since January 2025 and claimed he did not know who had access to them. Markle Sr. expressed willingness to undergo a forensic examination of the devices.
Meghan Markle, who has been estranged from her father for years, has not publicly addressed the latest developments regarding her half-brother’s status in the investigation. In a prior statement, she acknowledged being aware of the allegations against her father for years and stated that she had kept her children away from him as a result.
Philippine authorities continue probe
Philippine police have confirmed the seizure of Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM) from Markle Sr.’s former home in Cebu. Major General Wilson Asueta of the Philippine National Police stated that investigators are analyzing the devices and files to determine ownership. Remulla emphasized that the investigation remains active, with authorities awaiting further forensic results.
The case began in October after Markle Jr. reported his father to Philippine authorities, claiming he had discovered hundreds or thousands of disturbing images in boxes at his father’s vacated residence. Philippine officials have described the material as "the most deplorable display of impunity" they have encountered, though they have not yet attributed ownership of the devices.
Ongoing developments
Investigations are ongoing in three countries: the Philippines, Mexico, and the United States. Philippine authorities have indicated they may bring formal charges against Markle Sr. in the coming weeks, pending the completion of forensic analysis. The FBI’s search of the Los Angeles storage units is expected to provide additional clarity on the scope of the alleged material.
Authorities have not disclosed whether any arrests or charges will be filed in connection with Markle Jr.’s status as a person of interest. The investigation remains fluid, with officials cautioning that conclusions are pending further evidence.