Saturday, October 24, 2026 -Authorities in the Philippines and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation have launched a joint inquiry into allegations involving Thomas Markle Sr., PEOPLE Magazine reports.
The investigation commenced after his son, Thomas Markle
Jr., reported finding “hundreds, if not thousands” of illicit digital materials
among personal items at his father's former residence in Cebu City,
Philippines.
"When I found this material, I was horrified and I had
no option but to report my dad," Thomas Jr. said.
According to official law enforcement updates, the
items—which include an old mobile device and storage electronics—were turned
over to specialist operatives for digital forensic examination. In a sworn
statement provided to investigators, Markle Jr. indicated that he felt legally
obligated to notify law enforcement immediately upon finding the materials.
The 82-year-old retired television lighting director, who is
the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, currently resides at a care
facility in Florida following recent medical complications.
According to the publication, Law enforcement
representatives confirmed to reporters that statements have been secured, and
the files are undergoing institutional evaluation. No formal criminal charges
have been filed at this stage.
It was further stated that Thomas Snr was dating a
much-younger nurse earlier prior the investigation.
Thomas, 82, revealed during a March interview that he was in
a relationship with Rio Canedo, who was 46 at the time. The two met in the
Philippines while he was recovering from leg amputation surgery in Cebu, where
he and his son, Thomas Jr., relocated in January 2025.
"I never expected to find joy and happiness again at my
age. I felt neglected and sad for so many years but now I am enjoying life
again," Thomas said, addressing their age gap. “I know some people will
say hurtful things but I don't care... Haters will hate. But, to be honest, I
don't give a damn. Life is for living.”
Meanwhile, Samantha Markle defended their father, denying
the claims and accusing her brother of lying to destroy him.
"There is no merit in these disgusting allegations
whatsoever and my brother is disgusting for making them up. He wants to destroy
our dad. Shame on him," Samantha stated.
An insider close to the Duchess of Sussex noted that the
situation offers context regarding Meghan's ongoing estrangement from her
father, stating, "Now maybe people will finally understand why she has had
nothing to do with her father since 2018."
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