A court in the Philippine city of Cebu has authorised police to search and analyse material recovered from the residence previously occupied by Thomas Markle, father of the Duchess of Sussex. The seized items are alleged to contain images depicting child sexual abuse.
According to BBC News, Thomas Markle has categorically rejected claims that he possesses any such material. His son, who had been residing with him in Cebu, reported to authorities that he encountered the material within the property where his father lived before departing for the United States earlier in 2026.
This development follows earlier investigations by Philippine authorities into digital images allegedly belonging to Thomas Markle Sr, which were initiated following a report from his half-brother. Interior minister Jonvic Remulla indicated at that time that preliminary findings suggested he may be a "possible sex offender."
The investigation gained further prominence when the Duchess of Sussex disclosed that she was informed by police of serious allegations against her father in 2018. The Metropolitan Police subsequently confirmed receiving a letter in 2019 containing claims relating to him.
The warrant approval represents a significant procedural step in the investigation, permitting forensic examination of the recovered materials including VHS tapes and computers to establish their contents and origin.
