The investigation into Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas Markle Sr., has entered a new phase, with police in the Philippines examining a laptop recovered from his former home. The 82-year-old is facing renewed scrutiny as authorities look into serious allegations against him, according to reports published on Sunday.
Authorities are examining the laptop found at Markle’s former home in Cebu, Philippines, as part of an investigation involving alleged child sexual abuse images. Police inspected the property after reports emerged that his son, Thomas Markle Jr., had discovered disturbing images while going through his father’s belongings.
A laptop at the center of the inquiry
Officials have confirmed that investigators are examining the laptop and other materials as they try to determine what happened. Philippine Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla told The Guardian on Sunday, October 25, that investigators expect to finish examining the evidence within about a week.
Remulla said officials plan to release a statement once they have a clearer picture of what the materials show, and stressed that investigators need to finish their work before reaching a final conclusion.
What officials have said so far
Philippine authorities have said they will work with law enforcement in other countries and consider criminal charges if they find enough evidence. In a statement to AFP, Remulla said the Philippine National Police will coordinate with counterparts to locate Markle and take appropriate legal action if there is sufficient evidence to charge him.
Remulla also acknowledged the complications of the case, noting that family disputes can cloud such investigations, and said officials want to be certain before releasing their findings.
Denials and the London connection
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against Thomas Sr. have not been proven. He has strongly denied the claims, calling them “sick lies” in comments to the Daily Mail, and has disputed that the computers were in his possession during the period in question.
The new details come just days after Meghan spoke publicly about the allegations against her father. The Duchess of Sussex, who has been estranged from her father for years, said she had been informed of troubling allegations in the past, and explained that keeping him away from her children with Prince Harry was intended to protect them.
Meanwhile, London’s Metropolitan Police recently confirmed that it received a letter containing allegations involving Thomas in January 2019 but did not share the information with other law enforcement agencies. The department is now reviewing how it handled the matter.
Source: Just Jared