Meghan Says She Is 'Distressed' as Father Thomas Markle Is Reported Under Child Abuse Image Probe

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, said Friday she is deeply distressed by reports that her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., 82, is under investigation over alleged possession of child sexual abuse images. The Sun reported that his son, Thomas Markle Jr., said he found the material in boxes at his father's former home in the Philippines. Markle Jr. told police he found hundreds, if not thousands, of images mixed with family mementos, and said he reported them on July 10 to the FBI hotline, a US child-exploitation center and Pennsylvania state police. Markle Sr. denied the claims to the Daily Mail, calling them lies. Meghan said a 2018 letter alleging wrongdoing by her father went to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection and was shared with her, and she was told it was being investigated. She said she kept distance and denied contact with her children to protect them.

Right-leaning outlets lead with Meghan's statement and Markle Jr.'s account of finding the boxes, and note she gave no detail on the 2018 letter. Left-leaning outlets also lead with her statement and add Markle Sr.'s denial. Alternative outlets focus on The Sun's report and the FBI referral.