Police get search warrant for Thomas Markle’s devices amid child sex images allegations

Philippine authorities have been granted a warrant allowing them to examine devices allegedly belonging to Thomas Markle Sr, after his son claimed to have uncovered child sex images at his father’s Cebu home.

The 82-year-old father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, denies the allegations, labelling them “sick lies”.

Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr, became their father’s carer after a life-threatening 2022 stroke.

The 60-year-old was said to be at his dad’s Cebu home, after Markle Sr rushed back to the US following another stroke in May, and looking for his dad’s Filipino girlfriend’s old mobile phone in a box when he made the alleged discovery.

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Markle Jr reportedly called Philippines authorities over the large stash of images he claimed to have found and gave a sworn statement.

It’s also understood he handed over four boxes of materials to police, including computers, phones, hard drives and old videotapes.

Police still needed to obtain a warrant before being allowed to look at the devices given to them, according to BBC, which was granted by a court on Friday.

Markle Jr was “adamant” about a police investigation, Cebu Regional Prosecutor Graeme Elmido told the publication, and felt his dad “has to answer for it”.

“When I found this material I was horrified and I had no option but to report my dad,” the 60-year-old told UK’s The Sun newspaper.

“I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years — but that stops now.

“I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him.”

Markle Sr is currently living in a Florida rehabilitation facility and learning how to walk after undergoing a leg amputation in the aftermath of his most-recent stroke.

From there, he issued his own statement to deny his son’s claims.

“I’m shocked, I’m hurt and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me,” Markle Sr told Daily Mail.

“I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of.

“It’s just a bunch of lies. It’s sick. I have no idea why Tom is trying to destroy me with these lies.”

Philippine interior minister, Jonvic Remulla, told the Guardian they expect investigations to take a week.

“In these cases where family disputes are mixed up, we have to consider all the angles,” Remilla said.

“Right now all signs point to a possible sex offender of the grossest kind. We want to be sure before we release the findings. The forensics data will be complete in a week.”

After the allegations emerged, the Duchess of Sussex issued her own statement confirming she’d been made aware of similar allegations in the past, and implied it was the reason for her estrangement from her father.

“I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed,” the American-born duchess said in a statement.

Meghan was made aware of allegations by Markle Jr’s mum – Markle Sr’s ex-wife, Roslyn Loveless.

Loveless wrote a letter to the UK’s Scotland Yard, which was shared with Prince Harry’s wife in 2019.

However, the Met Police didn’t investigate the allegations, and they weren’t passed on to any other authorities to investigate.

After the new allegations emerged, the FBI said they were ready to “provide support” to Philippine authorities “as appropriate”.

“We will also investigate any related allegations of federal violations of US law,” they said.