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.”