Meghan Markle's estranged dad Thomas breaks silence on indecent image allegations
Thomas Markle Sr. has spoken out for the first time since allegations were made by his son that he was in possession of indecent images of children, saying he is 'shocked' and 'hurt'.
The father of British Royal Meghan Markle rejected the claims made by his own son, Thomas Markle Jr., who alleged he found photographs at his dad's former home in the Philippines.
However, the 82-year-old has slammed the accusations as 'sick lies', branding the situation as complete fabrication designed to ruin his reputation.
“I’m shocked, I’m hurt and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me,” Markle Sr. per the Daily Mail.
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“I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of.
“This is bulls***. It’s just a bunch of lies. It’s sick. I have no idea why Tom is trying to destroy me with these lies.”
The alleged discovery first became public knowledge after Markle Jr. claimed he discovered 'hundreds, if not thousands', of disturbing photographs hidden inside four separate storage boxes.
He alleged that the indecent images of children were buried among family mementos at his dad's property in the Philippines, which prompted him to contact local authorities.
The Cebu City Police Office is currently investigating Markle Jr.'s claims, while reports suggest he also notified the FBI.
Following the accusations, the Duchess of Sussex issued a public statement confirming she had previously been made aware of the police intelligence.
“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," she said, in a statement issued to the Press Association.
“In 2018, a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection. That letter was subsequently shared with me. It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated.
“I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications’ distortion over the years, any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children, was for one reason: to protect them.
“I trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families. Although the breadth of what has now been uncovered is more sickening than one could ever imagine, my sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children.”
She revealed that London's Metropolitan Police Service informed her about the disturbing claims back in 2018 - the same year she wed Prince Harry.
The royal couple have refused to allow him to meet their two children, seven-year-old Prince Archie and five-year-old Princess Lilibet.
LADbible Group has reached out to Meghan Markle's representatives for comment, as well as London's Metropolitan Police Service.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues or want to speak to someone in confidence regarding the welfare of a child, the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and receives calls from throughout the United States, Canada, US Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico.
Topics: Meghan Markle, Royal Family, UK News
Joe Yates