Overview
- Philippine authorities inspected Thomas Markle’s former residence in Cebu and seized a laptop and boxes of material that officials say contained images of child abuse now under forensic examination.
- Interior minister Jonvic Remulla told reporters that investigators reported finding abusive images on the seized device and that legal action could follow if forensic results provide sufficient evidence.
- Scotland Yard confirmed it received a letter in January 2019 containing allegations about Thomas Markle, referred the letter to Harry and Meghan’s office and said it will review whether it properly shared details with other police forces.
- Meghan Markle said she was ‘deeply distressed’ by the new reports and has previously said she was told about disturbing allegations involving her father; Thomas Markle has denied accusations of sexual abuse of minors.
- Next steps include Philippine forensic reporting and possible prosecutions if evidence meets legal standards, and a separate review by the Metropolitan Police that could lead to referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over information‑sharing.