Meghan Markle, the wife of Prince Harry, has expressed deep concern after allegations emerged involving her father, Thomas Markle Sr., and the reported possession of child sexual abuse material.
According to international media reports, Meghan said in a statement that the developments reported over the past 24 hours had left her deeply distressed. She expressed sympathy for children who may have been harmed.
Reports say authorities in the Philippines are investigating the 82-year-old Thomas Markle Sr. over the alleged possession of such material.
Meghan also claimed that a letter had been sent in 2018 to London’s Metropolitan Police and a specialist royal security unit, which was later forwarded to her. She did not disclose who had sent the letter or what specific information it contained.
Explaining her decision to remain estranged from her father and prevent contact between him and her children, Meghan said the move was made to protect her children. She expressed hope that the latest developments would lead to a full investigation and that the safety of innocent children would remain the priority.
Meghan and Prince Harry married on May 19, 2018. Shortly before the wedding, Meghan had reportedly hoped that her father would walk her down the aisle. However, plans changed following a controversy surrounding staged photographs involving Thomas Markle and paparazzi.
Thomas Markle later said he could not attend the wedding because of a heart condition. Meghan was ultimately escorted down part of the aisle by then-Prince of Wales Charles, who is now King Charles III.