On Thursday, November 5, Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla told reporters that “there are signs that point that the son is involved” in Thomas Sr., 82, allegedly storing child sex abuse material (CSAM) at his former Cebu home, per The Telegraph. (Thomas Sr. moved back to the U.S. from Cebu earlier this year after having a portion of his left leg amputated.)

Remulla, 59, claimed that “to accuse the father only is only half the police work” because police interviewed “witnesses who testified that underage girls were being brought to [Thomas Jr.’s] house, with ring lights, through the window.”

However, a law enforcement source told The Sun on Saturday, November 7, that senior officers from the Philippines National Police allegedly personally apologized to Thomas Jr., 60, over the phone after looking into the case. Investigators spoke with Thomas Jr.’s fiancée, Rose Ann Gabuya, who reportedly explained to officers that she invited female relatives to the home to film TikTok content.

Filipino Authorities Investigate Images Found at Thomas Markle's House

Us has reached out to the Philippines National Police for comment.

Thomas Jr. originated the allegations that his father kept CSAM images in his Philippines home in October, having allegedly turned over evidence to local police. Thomas Sr. strongly denied any accusations of wrongdoing.

A separate investigation in the U.S. led to Thomas Sr. being arrested in Florida on Friday, November 6, after federal investigators allegedly discovered CSAM images at two Los Angeles-area storage units rented by Meghan’s father.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California formally charged Thomas Sr. with one count of possession of child pornography. He could face up to 20 years behind bars if convicted.

A judge ruled during a preliminary hearing at the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa on Friday that Thomas Sr. could be released on bond. He is required to comply with home detention and electronic monitoring at the Florida assisted living center where he resides.

“Working with our Justice Department partners, our agents moved quickly, identified and located the explicit material, and arrested Mr. Markle in Florida,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement on Friday. “This FBI will use every single resource at our disposal to protect innocent kids – any predator who targets children will have zero safe haven in this country or anywhere they try to hide. Thank you to FBI Los Angeles, FBI Tampa, our Mexico, Manila, and Marshall Islands Law Enforcement Attaches, and our partners who executed quickly in this case.”

When the allegations initially came to light in October, Thomas Sr. and his daughter, Samantha Markle, vehemently denied that the retired TV lighting director committed any wrongdoing.

“I’m shocked, I’m hurt and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me,” Thomas Sr. told the Daily Mail at the time. “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 Duchess of Sussex, 45, reacted to the bombshell allegations against Thomas Sr. by revealing that she’d been passed a letter containing “troubling and disturbing” allegations about her father by London’s Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection in 2018.

“[The letter] made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated,” Meghan said on October 23. “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.”

The Met subsequently announced that it was probing what action was taken when its Fixated Threat Assessment Centre was originally tipped off to allegations about Thomas Sr.

“We are aware of media reports that officers from the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Command were involved in the passing on of a letter in 2018,” a Met spokesperson told multiple media outlets in a statement. “We are undertaking inquiries internally in an effort to confirm this.”

Following Thomas Sr.’s arrest in the U.S. on Friday, Thomas Jr. told The Sun that it was “a huge relief” to see his father facing criminal prosecution.

Child Porn Found in Thomas Markle's Cache as Police Investigation Continues

“I feel vindicated because I’ve been under a lot of pressure this past few weeks,” Thomas Jr. said.
“I was devastated to discover who my father really is and it has been an ordeal coming forward.”

He added, “I’ve spent hours and hours giving evidence to the police in the Philippines and providing detailed affidavits which have taken days. It has been incredibly stressful, but I’m pleased with the outcome. I’m just glad my father is being brought to justice.”

Thomas Sr. shares Meghan with his second wife, Doria Ragland. He welcomed his two older children — Samantha, 61, and Thomas Jr. — during his marriage to his first wife, Roslyn Loveless.

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

“When they got engaged, there was a couple of us invited in to meet Catherine,” royal photographer Arthur Edwards said on the Friday, November 6, episode of Hello’s “Right Royal” podcast. “I asked him, ‘What did you break up for?’ He said, ‘Because I wanted to be sure. Because I want this marriage to last forever.’ I think it will.”

William and Kate, both 44, met while in college at University of St Andrews in Scotland. After several years of dating, they briefly went their separate ways. The Prince and Princess of Wales ultimately reconciled before William proposed in 2010 with late mother Princess Diana’s sapphire-and-diamond engagement ring. (Diana died in a fatal car crash in 1997, years after her divorce from now-King Charles III.)

“I spotted Diana’s ring and I said, ‘I need to get a picture of that.’ They called me out afterwards, and I went in the room to photograph it,” Edwards, 86, recalled of William and Kate’s engagement photocall. “Her hand was shaking with nerves! I said, ‘Oh, hang on, hold it steady, just till I get the ring sharp.’ Anyway, it was good.”

Prince William Once Broke Up With Kate Middleton Over the Phone

He continued, “I wished them all the best, and they were incredibly happy. Every time I see them now, they are a good team.”

William and Kate got married the next year in a 2011 royal wedding ceremony held at London’s Westminster Abbey. They have since expanded their family, welcoming sons Prince George, 13, and Prince Louis, 7, as well as daughter Princess Charlotte, 11.

William and Kate’s marriage, however, went through trying times in 2024 when the princess was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer. (Kate revealed in January 2025 that she was now in remission after undergoing chemotherapy.)

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Relationship Timeline

“She’s an amazing mum, an amazing wife and, literally, our family couldn’t cope without her,” William said on the U.K.’s Heart Radio in May. “She’s been absolutely stunning, brilliant.”

At the time, William gushed that he was “so proud” of how effortlessly his wife had appeared to return to her regal duties in recovery.

“She’s been amazing. She’s been through so much in the last couple of years, particularly,” he noted. “And yeah, she’d been looking forward to the Italian trip a lot. I’m really glad it went really well. … She spends, God knows how much time now, looking through all the paperwork. She’s a proper pro on [her patronage for] early years. Most evenings I’m fighting to get past in the bedroom, what paperwork that she’s got lined up, ready to read. I’m so pleased it went well for her, and yeah, I think she came back buzzing.”

Thomas, 82, attended an initial 30-minute hearing at the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa on Friday, November 6, after being taken into federal custody earlier in the day. He was escorted into court by two U.S. Marshalls and wore a black T-shirt and slacks, BBC News reported.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California has confirmed that Thomas will face criminal prosecution on one charge of possession of child pornography. He could face 20 years behind bars if he is convicted.

While a judge granted Thomas a bond release, he will have to comply with home detention and electronic monitoring at the Florida assisted living center where he resides.

UK Police Address Investigation Into Meghan Markle's Estranged Dad Thomas

Thomas will not be allowed to travel outside of the Middle District of Florida and the Central District of California, the Justice Department and US Attorney’s Office Central California said on Friday. He will be required to a consent mental and physical health evaluation and cannot access any internet-connected devices as he awaits trial.

Thomas has not yet entered a plea. His next hearing will take place in California at a later date.

On Friday, FBI Director Kash Patel revealed in a statement that Thomas “allegedly targeted innocent children and sought to steal their innocence through his criminal actions.”

“Working with our Justice Department partners, our agents moved quickly, identified and located the explicit material, and arrested Mr. Markle in Florida,” Patel, 46, continued. “This FBI will use every single resource at our disposal to protect innocent kids – any predator who targets children will have zero safe haven in this country or anywhere they try to hide. Thank you to FBI Los Angeles, FBI Tampa, our Mexico, Manila, and Marshall Islands Law Enforcement Attaches, and our partners who executed quickly in this case.”

Federal investigators allegedly discovered child sex abuse material while searching “two Los Angeles-area storage units [Thomas] rented for nearly two decades,” per the Justice Department.

A separate investigation in the Philippines was launched last month when Thomas Sr.’s son, Thomas Markle Jr., reported to police that he’d allegedly found CSAM in boxes at his father’s home. (Thomas Sr. moved back to the U.S. earlier this year after having a portion of his left leg amputated while living in Cebu.)

“Mr. Markle is accused of possessing child sexual abuse material, including photographs depicting himself with minor girls,” First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said on Friday. “These allegations are extremely serious, and we will prosecute Mr. Markle to the fullest extent of federal law.”

Thomas Sr. and his daughter Samantha Markle vehemently denied that he had committed any wrongdoing when suspicion arose last month.

“I’m shocked, I’m hurt and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me,” Thomas Sr. told the Daily Mail on October 23. “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.”

Child Pornography Found in Thomas Markle’s Storage Unit in Mexico: Report

However, Meghan, 45, revealed she’d been passed a letter containing “troubling and disturbing” allegations about her father by London’s Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection in 2018.

“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,” the Duchess of Sussex said in a statement. “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.”

The Met confirmed on October 24 that it was investigating what action was taken when its Fixated Threat Assessment Centre originally received the letter about Thomas Sr.

“We are aware of media reports that officers from the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Command were involved in the passing on of a letter in 2018,” a Met spokesperson told multiple media outlets. “We are undertaking inquiries internally in an effort to confirm this.”

Thomas Sr. shares Meghan with his second wife, Doria Ragland, to whom he was married from 1979 to 1987. He welcomed Samantha, 61, and Thomas Jr., 60, during his marriage to his first wife, Roslyn Loveless.

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.

Thomas, 82, was taken into FBI custody near Tampa, Florida, on Friday, November 6, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced on the Department of Justice’s website. He is expected to make an initial appearance in court later on Friday regarding the charge.

The news release shared that FBI special agents obtained warrants to search two storage units in the Los Angeles area that had been registered to Thomas since 2008. They seized approximately 78 items, including slides, film negatives and books containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Authorities said two images depicted Thomas with a nude prepubescent girl while other photos appeared to show him with children in various stages of undress.

“Mr. Markle allegedly targeted innocent children and sought to steal their innocence through his criminal actions,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement. “Working with our Justice Department partners, our agents moved quickly, identified and located the explicit material and arrested Mr. Markle in Florida.”

UK Police Address Investigation Into Meghan Markle's Estranged Dad Thomas

If convicted, Thomas could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

Thomas Sr.’s arrest comes after his son, Thomas Markle Jr., told The Sun on October 22 that he had discovered CSAM in boxes at his father’s home in the Philippines and alerted authorities. Both Thomas Sr. and his eldest daughter, Samantha Markle, vehemently denied the accusations.

“I’m shocked, I’m hurt and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me,” Thomas Sr. told the Daily Mail on October 23. “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.”

Meghan, 45, who has been estranged from her father since her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, has also broken her silence on the allegations.

“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,” the Duchess of Sussex told Us in a statement on October 23. “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.”

Thomas Markle's Child Sex Abuse Photo Scandal Explained: What to Know

Meghan, who shares two young children with Harry, 42, further claimed her distance from Thomas Sr. was a result of the accusations in the letter obtained by police.

“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,” she noted in her statement. “I trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families.”

Meghan concluded, “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.”

Meghan Markle Sent Dad a Letter in 2025 Banning Him From Grandkids: Reports

The Metropolitan Police has since begun looking into the accusations.

“We are aware of media reports that officers from the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Command were involved in the passing on of a letter in 2018,” a Metropolitan Police spokesperson told Us in a separate statement. “We are undertaking enquiries internally in an effort to confirm this.”

The U.K. officers were not investigating Thomas Sr. himself, as he does not live in England.

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.

George, 13, stepped out with dad Prince William on Tuesday, November 3, at a Barcelona soccer game while in Spain. The teenager appeared to be approaching his dad’s 6-foot-3 stature in photos from the outing, where the pair seemed nearly eye-level.

While cheering for Aston Villa on Tuesday, the father-son duo appeared to coordinate their attire. George opted for a black Adidas rain jacket and corresponding black pants while William, 44, donned a black baseball cap and jacket.

George, the eldest of William and Princess Kate Middleton’s three children, is currently on an extended break from Eton College. (William and Kate, 44, are also parents to daughter Princess Charlotte, 11, and son Prince Louis, 8. The royal couple tied the knot in 2011.)

He was dropped off for his first day of school in Berkshire, England, in September and is following in his family’s footsteps. William, for his part, attended Eton College from 1995 to 2000 while his younger brother, Prince Harry, was there from 1998 to 2003.

For his official Eton College portraits, George wore a tailored outfit featuring a black tailcoat, pinstriped trousers, a black waistcoat and a white tunic shirt with an “arundel collar” fastened to it as well as cufflinks. He completed the look with black dress shoes as he smiled for the camera.

In October, Kate shared her excitement to be reunited with George during his boarding school’s break. (Charlotte and Louis attend a day school near the family’s London residence.)

“She said she’s looking forward to George coming home [and that] she’s missed him,” local patron Denise Ashton told Hello! after meeting Kate during her appearance at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices in Ipswich, England. “They may be going somewhere [during the break].”

Prince George, 12, Towers Over His Siblings at 2026 Easter Service

When a local student also told Kate that he was preparing for his own half-term break, she replied, “My children break up tomorrow, and I can’t wait to have them all home.”

Before George headed off to Eton College, William hinted that his eldest son had begun preparations for boarding school.

“Charlotte and Louis, because George is boarding last night, so Charlotte, Louis, if you’re listening, make sure you’re on time, please,” William said during a May appearance on the Heart Breakfast show, giving his youngest two children a special shout-out. “Make sure you’re not fighting over who’s listening to what this morning.”

Police handling the investigation confirmed to the New York Post on Tuesday, November 3, that Thomas Sr.’s child pornography cache contained a video of children engaging in sex acts.

Authorities claimed there were boys and girls in the clip, and it showed minors performing “sexual activities.” The video also allegedly featured Asian and Caucasian minors but no Filipinos, authorities said. (It’s unclear if Thomas Sr. was in any video.)

According to Pmgen Wilson Casueta, who is the acting director of the Philippine National Police, the investigation into Thomas Sr., 82, is “going in the right direction.”

Filipino Authorities Investigate Images Found at Thomas Markle's House

“If there is sufficient evidence and the evidence warrants, we will file a case,” Casueta told the publication. (Thomas Sr. has yet to be charged with a crime and has denied any wrongdoing.)

Filipino police also claimed the “FBI and U.S. authorities are doing their own investigations” while partnering up with law enforcement teams in the Southeast Asian nation.

“Only the FBI and U.S. authorities have reached [out] to our Women’s and Children’s Protection Center,” Casueta claimed.

Filipino authorities were unable to comment on a report from October that Mexican authorities allegedly found child porn in a Mexican storage unit Thomas Sr. rented near his former home in Rosarito Beach, Mexico.

News broke on October 22 that an investigation was launched after Thomas Markle Jr. turned over child sex abuse material (CASM) that he allegedly found in boxes at his father’s house in the Philippines.

Thomas Sr. later denied any accusations that he was in possession of images depicting child sex abuse.

“I’m shocked, I’m hurt, and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me,” Thomas Sr. said in a statement to the Daily Mail on October 23. “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.”

Meghan, 45, also issued a statement of her own addressing her decision to distance herself from her father years ago.

Thomas Markle's Child Sex Abuse Photo Scandal Explained: What to Know

“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,” the Duchess of Sussex said in a statement to Us on October 23. “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.”

Meghan explained that she wanted to “protect” her own children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, whom she shares with her husband, Prince Harry.

“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,” she explained. “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.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.

After Charles, 77, and wife Queen Camilla arrived at a celebration of Antigua and Barbuda’s 45th anniversary of independence at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Sunday, November 1, the pair were rained on.

Camilla, 79, was handed a clear umbrella and began to walk away from the storm while Charles was left on the field in a video obtained by the BBC. His tan-colored suit had visible water droplets as he continued to get soaked.

The monarch appeared frustrated by the situation, gesturing with his hands in the air and waving at aides to seemingly ask for an umbrella. He was then seen making his way off the field while holding a black umbrella.

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Camilla, meanwhile, was smiling and laughing at the situation as she sat down and watched. Charles later found humor in the experience, too.

“I think I’m about to grow watercress on my suit,” Charles quipped after the rainfall.

GB News royal correspondent Cameron Walker offered more insight on the situation via Instagram, sharing his perspective on “exactly what happened with the King and ‘rain gate.’”

“All of us are in the stadium and without warning — and I mean really, without warning — a big, black cloud came across. The heavens opened and it was biblical rainfall,” he said. “Like, I’ve been drier in a shower before. It was really, really heavy.”

King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s Relationship Timeline

Walker explained that Camilla “was always meant to retreat” to their seats while Charles needed to inspect troops at the event and was “stuck outside in the elements.” Walker added that he was unsure why it took “an incredibly long time” for Charles’ team to secure him an umbrella.

“He was soaked through,” Walker said. “And I think, to be honest, anyone in that situation would be absolutely livid. I certainly would be. So, yeah, he got a little bit frustrated. But cut him some slack.”

Walker pointed to Charles’ health journey, adding, “He’s 77. He’s got cancer treatment, or he’s having cancer treatment, and he kept calm, carried on, did his duty, despite being drenched … He’s a trooper.” (Buckingham Palace shared his diagnosis with an undisclosed form of cancer in 2024.)

The appearance was part of Charles and Camilla’s tour of the Caribbean. Camilla arrived on Sunday after Charles traveled through the Bahamas and Guyana the week prior. The royal couple are set to leave Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday, November 4.

“It’s a very, very difficult and painful moment for her. And from talking to people close to her, she’s been in bits,” Hello! royal editor Emily Nash claimed on the latest episode of the outlet’s “Right Royal” podcast, referring to Meghan’s state of mind. “She’s really struggling.”

Last month, Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., alleged that he discovered child sex abuse material (CSAM) inside his father’s Philippines home. (Thomas Sr. has vehemently denied the accusations, calling the claims “sick lies” in a statement to the Daily Mail.)

Meghan, 45, who has been estranged from her dad, 82, since 2018, presumably found support and solace in her inner circle. (Us has reached out to a rep for the Duchess of Sussex for comment regarding Hello!’s report.)

Meghan Markle Feels 'Relief' Over Thomas Investigation, Friend Says

“They’re surrounded by some close friends. She has other friends checking in with her daily,” Nash stated, referring to Meghan, her husband, Prince Harry, and the couple’s two children. “Whatever your feelings about her … you cannot help but feel some sympathy for her being caught up in this situation which is way beyond her control and deeply, deeply troubling.”

Meghan previously issued a statement regarding the “deeply disturbing” accusations.

“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,” Meghan said in October. “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 continued, “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.”

Meghan Markle, Harry Leave U.K. to Visit Friends Amid Her Dad Thomas' Scandal

Weeks later, Meghan shared a personal life update via her As Ever holiday catalog.

“This year has reminded me how much joy can be found in the moments that make up a life,” the Suits alum wrote at the time. “Evening snuggles with my children. Harvest baskets gathered for friends. Travel and adventure, time in the garden, building this business and sketching away at all the details, both big and small. A summer filled with laughter, wine and melting ice cream cones, followed by an autumn of new adventures. All of it has mattered. All of it has felt meaningful.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.

“Happy Halloween! 🎃,” the Princess of Wales wrote in a Saturday, October 31, celebratory post shared via her official Instagram account.

In the snap, Louis, then 12 months, wore a pint-size rain jacket and boots as he played with a round, orange pumpkin. Kate, 44, is credited with snapping the image.

Kate, who shares Louis with husband Prince William, famously considers herself to be an amateur photographer.

Revisit Kate Middleton’s 'Amateur’ Photography Portfolio

“I sort of learn on the way, but actually during this time [in lockdown], I spent lots of time picking up my camera and taking photos of the children because they’re always around us when we’re doing stuff together,” Kate explained of her passion on the U.K.’s This Morning in 2020. “One of the fantastic things about photography is really capturing that moment so it’s not staged.”

She continued at the time, “It’s not setting it up perfectly; it’s not clearing your house away so you got a perfect studio setup but it’s really capturing those moments that feel real to you.”

In addition to taking photos of her daily life, Kate has also photographed her children’s various birthday portraits over the years. (Kate and the Prince of Wales, 44, are also parents of son Prince George, 13, and daughter Princess Charlotte, 11.)

View this post on Instagram

“The Duchess of Cambridge is a very good photographer,” Kensington Palace curator Claudia Acott Williams exclusively told Us in 2022. “She has started releasing her own photographs of her children as a way of sharing their progress with the public. … By releasing her own photographs, she’s kind of maintaining an element of control and privacy for them.”

Per Williams, Kate’s portraits offer a unique “mother’s view” to typically formal snapshots.

“That’s an intimacy that we don’t often get,” Williams noted. “It creates a unique perspective. It is very clever. It really allows the public in a very intimate way, while still allowing them to maintain the privacy of family life.”

Everything Kate Middleton Has Said About 'Amateur' Photography Passion

Kate and William have tried to allow their children to have a sense of normalcy growing up. George recently matriculated at Eton College, a prestigious British boarding school that his father and uncle Prince Harry each attended.

“She said she’s looking forward to George coming home [and that] she’s missed him,” local patron Denise Ashton told Hello! after meeting Kate during her October 22 appearance at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices in Ipswich, England. “They may be going somewhere [during the break].”

While speaking with another attendee, Kate noted that her children were anticipating their school break. She added, “I can’t wait to have them all home.”

“This year has reminded me how much joy can be found in the moments that make up a life,” Meghan, 45, wrote in her As Ever holiday catalog, per People. “Evening snuggles with my children. Harvest baskets gathered for friends. Travel and adventure, time in the garden, building this business and sketching away at all the details, both big and small.”

She continued, “A summer filled with laughter, wine and melting ice cream cones, followed by an autumn of new adventures. All of it has mattered. All of it has felt meaningful.”

Meghan, who shares two children with husband Prince Harry, left their family home in California to return to England in August. Despite the move, the Duchess of Sussex is still running her lifestyle brand — which recently launched its holiday collection — from abroad.

Meghan Markle Feels 'Relief' Over Thomas Investigation, Friend Says

“The holidays invite us to gather a little closer, to make things with our hands, to set the table with care, and to give generously to the people we love,” Meghan continued in her personal letter. “This collection was created in that same spirit, with pieces to share, savor, gift, and make part of your own traditions. And as this year draws to a close, I want to thank you.”

She concluded, “Thank you for sharing your joy with us, for welcoming As Ever into your homes and your hearts, and for allowing us to become a part of your celebrations, your everyday rituals and the memories you are making along the way. We never take that for granted. It is such a joy to share in these moments with you, and I hope this holiday season brings many more worth savoring.”

While Meghan has been focused on her As Ever endeavors, Thomas Sr., 82, is embroiled in scandal. His son, Thomas Markle Jr., claimed to The Sun earlier this month that he allegedly discovered child sex abuse material (CSAM) at Thomas Sr.’s home in the Philippines and turned it into authorities. (Thomas Sr. vehemently denied the accusations, branding the claims as “sick lies” in a statement to the Daily Mail.)

Meghan, who has been estranged from her dad since her 2018 wedding to Harry, subsequently addressed the allegations.

Prince Harry's Past Remarks on Thomas Markle Resurface Amid Investigation

“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,” Meghan told Us in a statement. “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.”

She added, “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. 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.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.

The Duchess of Sussex’s new gig drew mixed reactions after it was announced, but Yeow, 52, defended Meghan against the backlash while speaking to Pedestrian TV on Wednesday, October 28.

“Honestly, that was a really crazy experience to actually watch the fallout,” Yeow admitted. “Seriously, the woman has a will of steel, and I just have even more admiration for her.”

Yeow also weighed in on why she believes Meghan’s career moves can create controversy at times.

Meghan Markle Lands New TV Role as Cohost of 'Junior MasterChef Australia'

“I think rumors just follow because it’s just the nature of the beast, you know. Like, people are insatiable and horrible,” Yeow continued.

The Australian TV host noted that she also copped some heat by association, explaining, “I guess I was latently experiencing it because some of it even came my way, but it’s, like, it’s fine.”

Earlier this week, Australia’s Network 10 announced Meghan’s new gig after she appeared as a special guest on MasterChef Australia last year.

Meghan will film the spinoff series over two weeks in May 2027, with the season slated to air later the same year.

“I had an incredible time with the whole team at MasterChef this past April, so when they approached me to come back and work with this young group of talent, it was an easy yes,” Meghan said in a statement on Tuesday, October 27.

She added, “I love cooking with my own kids, so seeing what these young stars create in the kitchen is going to be a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see what they cook up!”

Prince Harry Crashes Meghan Markle's 'MasterChef Australia' Appearance

Yeow, who is currently a judge on MasterChef Australia and was the runner-up in the show’s first season in 2009, also expressed her excitement about teaming up with Meghan for Junior MasterChef.

“I had a lovely time filming with Meghan earlier this year, and being reunited will be a real treat. I can’t wait to meet our pint-sized culinary adventurers — I’m expecting plenty of delicious surprises and a little mischief, too,” Yeow said via a statement.

She added, “I’m thrilled to bits that Junior MasterChef is returning to our screens. People often ask me whether it might come back, so I know the news will be met with plenty of excitement.”

Former Suits actress Meghan previously hosted the Netflix lifestyle show With Love, Meghan, which ran for two seasons after debuting in 2025.

“I get it, man,” Kelce, 37, quipped on the Wednesday, October 28, episode of his “New Heights” podcast. “I was just a boyfriend at that point, you know? I wasn’t her husband yet, you know.”

Kelce joked that William, 44, likely thought, “’We don’t really know if this is going to last, so [can you] just move out of the way real quick so we can keep this photo forever?’”

Travis’ brother, Jason Kelce, joked that William and his family were hoping the couple’s relationship “doesn’t go south” so that they could hold onto their selfie. Travis laughed at the comment, adding, “Shout-out to Prince William, man.”

Travis Kelce Details Meeting Prince William at 'Eras Tour'

A photo then appeared on the screen showing Swift and Travis’ selfie with William and the Prince of Wales’ children Prince George and Princess Charlotte — before the NFL player was removed from the image courtesy of the “New Heights” graphic team.

“Nice,” Travis said while clapping at his disappearance from the image. “So good. I gotta ship that to him. Just send it to Buckingham Palace. You think it will get to him?”

Jason, 38, quipped, “I think if you put ‘at Buckingham Palace’ and ‘attention to Prince William,’ I think it will get there.”

In 2024, William brought his and Princess Kate Middleton’s eldest children to watch Swift’s Eras Tour concert in London and posed for selfies with the pop star, 37, and Travis backstage. (William and Kate, who tied the knot in 2011, are also parents to son Prince Louis, who didn’t appear to attend the show.)

Did Prince William Get an Invite to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Wedding?

“Happy Bday M8! London shows are off to a splendid start 🇬🇧🇺🇸🤝,” Swift wrote via Instagram at the time, celebrating William’s birthday.

Two years later, William looked back at the iconic moment and quipped that he had thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs tight end crashing their photo with Swift.

“I was trying to move him out of the photo. Travis kept coming back in, and I couldn’t work out why he kept coming back in,” William joked on the Friday, October 23, episode of The Graham Norton Show. “I was trying to move him out so it was just me and Taylor and the children!”

“I wasn’t aware [of the photo’s significance] until recently,” William continued to quip. “I hadn’t appreciated the significance.”

Since the snap was taken, Swift and Travis have tied the knot. The couple said “I do” inside New York City’s Madison Square Garden in July.

“Maybe it was a vibe that I subconsciously got … something’s not right about a person, and you don’t actively register it. But your body tells you when something’s off,” Noelle Rasmussen told The Telegraph in an article published on Tuesday, October 27.

The outlet spoke to Rasmussen, Meghan Markle‘s niece, five days after the Duchess of Sussex’s estranged dad was publicly accused of possessing a collection of child pornography materials inside his Philippines home.

Thomas Sr. has denied possessing the images and historical accusations of child sexual abuse, branding the accusations as “sick lies.” He has not been charged with any crimes.

Thomas Markle's Ex-Wife Allegedly Wrote 2018 Child Sexual Abuse Letter

Us has reached out to representatives for Thomas Sr. for comment.

Rasmussen, whose mother, Samantha Markle, has publicly defended Thomas Sr. in light of the allegations, added that news of the claims did not shock her. “It doesn’t surprise me,” Rasmussen told the outlet. “The more and more I think about it, it just doesn’t … I don’t know why it’s not a surprise.”

She continued, “It might have been something I just didn’t register at the time, or subconsciously put any thought behind. Even as a child, it may have just been something that I registered that I didn’t know [I had].”

News of the alleged child sex abuse materials (CSAM) surfaced on Thursday, October 22, after Thomas Markle Jr. alerted Filipino authorities to what he allegedly discovered inside his father’s Cebu home.

According to The Sun, Thomas Jr. reportedly told friends that he was a “shaking wreck” as a result of the discovery and “realized I had to report him.”

Thomas Markle's Child Sex Abuse Photo Scandal Explained: What to Know

One day later, Meghan, 45, released a statement addressing the news while also revealing that she received a “troubling and disturbing” letter in 2018 that detailed allegations against her father. The letter was reportedly written and sent to the U.K.’s Metropolitan Police and Specialist Protection by Thomas Sr.’s late ex-wife, Roslyn Loveless, who died in 2024. (Loveless was married to Thomas Sr. from 1964 to 1975.)

Rasmussen’s interview with The Telegraph discussed her late grandmother’s letter, which was written when Rasmussen was 16.

“I remember her writing the letter … she had guts that I’ve never seen before, and she did not care what would come to her. She would just do whatever she felt was right, and she was incredible,” she said. “If she put something in a letter, it’s more than likely what she had seen to be the truth or what she had experienced. It was something that she either saw or heard or believed to be 100 percent true.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. 

Australia’s Network 10 announced the news on Tuesday, October 27, revealing that Meghan, 45, will team up with professional cook Poh Ling Yeow to host the upcoming reboot, which will air in 2027.

Meghan’s appointment as cohost comes after she made a brief appearance as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia earlier this year.

“I had an incredible time with the whole team at MasterChef this past April, so when they approached me to come back and work with this young group of talent, it was an easy yes,” Meghan said in a statement.

Meghan Markle’s Under-the-Radar Acting Roles: ‘General Hospital’ to ‘Fringe’

She added, “I love cooking with my own kids, so seeing what these young stars create in the kitchen is going to be a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see what they cook up!”

Yeow, Meghan’s cohost, commented, “I had a lovely time filming with Meghan earlier this year, and being reunited will be a real treat. I can’t wait to meet our pint-sized culinary adventurers — I’m expecting plenty of delicious surprises and a little mischief, too.”

“I’m thrilled to bits that Junior MasterChef is returning to our screens. People often ask me whether it might come back, so I know the news will be met with plenty of excitement,” said Yeow, who is also a judge on MasterChef Australia, having come second on the very first season back in 2009.

Meghan made her first foray into hosting a television program with Netflix’s With Love, Meghan, a lifestyle show that ran for two seasons in 2025.

Every Guest Appearance in Both Seasons of Meghan Markle's 'With Love Meghan'

In July, With Love, Meghan was nominated for the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Lifestyle Program, with Meghan receiving a nomination as an executive producer on the show.

“A huge congratulations to the amazing crew, producers, and team who worked on With Love, Meghan on @netflix … We are nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Lifestyle Series!” Meghan celebrated the news via Instagram at the time.

News of Meghan’s new television role comes as authorities in the Phillippines said they are investigating claims that her father, Thomas Markle Sr., possessed photos depicting child sex abuse at his former home in Cebu. Thomas Sr.’s son, Thomas Markle Jr., said last week that he reported his father to the police.

Responding to the news, Meghan confirmed on Friday, October 23, that she first became aware of allegations against her father in 2018.

Thomas Markle's Child Sex Abuse Photo Scandal Explained: What to Know

“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 to Us.

Thomas Sr. vehemently denied allegations of possessing child sex abuse material, branding them “sick lies.” He told the Daily Mail, “I’m shocked, I’m hurt and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me.”

Thomas Sr. has not currently been charged with a crime.

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have taken a trip overseas with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and are spending time with close friends, Hello! reported on Monday, October 26.

“She’s just really, really upset,” Meghan’s unnamed friends told the outlet, referring to the stress associated with Thomas’ latest scandal. “She keeps on looking at Lili and she’s in tears, and thinking about all the children, the alleged victims. She has young children herself. It’s just devastating.”

News broke on Thursday, October 22, that Meghan’s estranged father, 82, is under investigation by local authorities after his son, Thomas Markle Jr., claimed to have discovered a cache of child sex abuse material (CSAM) allegedly in boxes at Thomas Sr.’s house in the Philippines, where he lived until early 2025.

UK Police Address Investigation Into Meghan Markle's Estranged Dad Thomas

According to Hello!, Meghan, 45, “decided a while ago, before this happened, that she was going to take herself away from the media and not look at anything, for her own mental health.”

The former actress’ friend told the outlet on Monday, that the allegations against Thomas Sr. have made it nearly impossible to block out the noise.

“She’s been getting sent a lot of messages from friends in the U.K. and people all over saying how sorry they are, but it’s just been an emotional rollercoaster for her,” Meghan’s pal said. “She’s in bits.”

Us has reached out to Meghan’s rep for comment.

Thomas Markle's Child Sex Abuse Photo Scandal Explained: What to Know

Meghan has been estranged from her father for several years, beginning in May 2018 ahead of her and Harry’s high-profile U.K. nuptials. At the time, Thomas Sr. was accused of posing for staged paparazzi photos in an attempt to benefit from his daughter’s newfound international fame and did not attend their wedding.

Thomas Sr., who shares Meghan with ex-wife Doria Ragland, has never met the couple’s son, Archie, 7, or daughter Lilibet, 5. (Thomas Sr. also shares son Thomas Jr., 60, and daughter Samantha Markle with his first wife, Rosyln Loveless.)

Despite distancing herself from her father, Meghan’s family made headlines last week after Thomas Jr. claimed he was “horrified” to discover child sex abuse material at his dad’s home, where he served as a caregiver for Thomas Sr. following his stroke in 2022.

“I had no option but to report my dad,” Thomas Jr. told The Sun on Thursday. “I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years — but that stops now. I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him.”

Thomas Sr., who currently resides at a nursing home in Florida, denied the allegations.

“I’m shocked, I’m hurt and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me,” he told the Daily Mail on Friday, October 23. “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.”

Meghan broke her silence that same day, saying in a statement shared with Us, “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.”

Prince Harry's Past Remarks on Thomas Markle Resurface Amid Investigation

“In 2018, a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection. That letter was subsequently shared with me,” she explained. “It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated.”

The Suits alum continued, “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.”

Meghan concluded, “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.”

Thomas Markle Accused of Sexual Abuse in 2018 Letter to Police: Report

Multiple outlets later reported that Meghan sent Thomas Sr. a letter in 2025 while he was hospitalized revealing that she knew about the allegations against him. She allegedly wrote in the letter that her father would never be allowed to meet her children and she wouldn’t contact him any further.

Thomas Sr. denied ever receiving a letter from Meghan, telling The Sun on Saturday, October 24, “[Meghan] never said a word to me about this letter accusing me of such terrible things. If Meghan or anyone else had come to me in 2018 and told me about the letter, I would have had a chance to defend myself.”

He also refuted the allegations that he sexually assaulted a child. “I have never had sex with anyone under the age of 18,” Thomas Sr. told the outlet, vowing to “do whatever it takes” to clear his name.

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.

According to the BBC and Page Six, both of which reported on the news on Sunday, October 25, the late Roslyn Loveless was identified as the letter’s author via multiple sources.

Page Six outlet reported that the letter, which Thomas’ estranged daughter, Meghan Markle, publicly acknowledged on Friday, October 23, had “found its way to London’s Metropolitan Police in 2019” and “was subsequently” sent to the Duchess of Sussex, 45, by the police.

Loveless was married to Thomas, 82, from 1964 to 1975 and was the mom of Meghan’s half-siblings, Samantha Markle and Thomas Markle Jr. She died in 2024.

UK Police Address Investigation Into Meghan Markle's Estranged Dad Thomas

Us has reached out to the Metropolitan Police for comment.

No details into the contents of the letter were shared by either outlet at the time of publication.

News of the claims first broke on Thursday, October 22, when Thomas Jr., 60, told The Sun that he had “no option” but to report that he had allegedly discovered illegal images inside his father’s Philippines home. Three days later, Filipino authorities confirmed that an investigation into child abuse claims had commenced.

“In these cases where family disputes are mixed up, we have to consider all the angles,” Philippine interior minister Jonvic Remulla told The Guardian on Sunday, October 25. “Right now, all signs point to a possible sex offender of the grossest kind. We want to be sure before we release the findings. The forensics data will be complete in a week.”

Meghan Markle's Brother Responds to Dad's Denial of Child Porn Claims

In a statement Remulla gave to Agence France-Presse, he said the national police inspected Thomas Sr.’s home and found a “trove of child pornography materials as well as a laptop.”

Thomas Sr. has denied all accusations made against him, branding them “sick lies.”

Meghan had broken her silence on the unfolding events via a Friday, October 23, statement shared with Us. “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 before touching on the letter.

“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,” Meghan continued.

Prince Harry's Past Remarks on Thomas Markle Resurface Amid Investigation

The following day, multiple news outlets reported that she had written her father a letter of her own in 2025. Per the reports, Meghan allegedly told Thomas Sr. that she would no longer contact him and that her children — Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, whom she shares with husband Prince Harry — would never meet their grandfather as a result of the claims.

Meghan and Thomas Sr. have been estranged since 2018.

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.

The Suits actress, 44, is the only child from the former General Hospital lighting director’s eight-year marriage to Doria Ragland — though he also shares a son, Thomas Markle Jr., and a daughter, Samantha Markle, with his first wife, Roslyn Loveless. (Markle and Loveless were married from 1964 to 1975.)

Keep scrolling to see more on Meghan and Thomas Sr.’s relationship:

What Happened Between Meghan Markle and Thomas Markle Sr.?

Trouble arose when Thomas Sr. was due to attend his daughter Meghan and Harry’s wedding at St. George’s Chapel on May 19, 2018. Markle was accused of staging a photo of himself trying on a suit near his home in Rosarito, Mexico, in exchange for money from a paparazzo.

Meghan’s half-sister Samantha admitted during a May 2018 appearance on British talk show Loose Women that she was responsible for setting up the photo opp, though she insisted her intentions were not monetary.

Meghan Markle’s Family Guide: Parents, Siblings and More

“I have to say I am entirely the culprit,” Samantha told the Loose Women hosts in 2018. “As we know, the media can take very unflattering photographs of people on their casual days and blow it way out of proportion. I said, you know, the world has no idea you’re getting in shape, doing healthy things. They don’t photograph you buying vegetables and PH water. They photograph you as unflattering ways as they can.”

She went on, “So I said, really you need to show the world that you’re getting in shape and doing great healthy things. So I suggested [the photo]. There’s a lot of scrutiny that it was money motivated, it was not. It was my suggestion that to benefit him and to benefit the royal family that everyone looked good and they depict you as you are – in shape and doing healthy things.”

How Did Thomas Markle Sr. React to the Paparazzi Photo?

Thomas Sr. admitted in a Mail on Sunday interview in May 2018 that he’d deceived Prince Harry during a phone call by claiming he was simply “being measured for a hoodie” when the paparazzi photo was taken.

“Harry told me that I should never go to the press. That it would end in tears. He said, ‘They will eat you alive.’ He was right,” Thomas Sr. confessed.

Thomas admitted that his future son-in-law was “absolutely right” in opposing staged photographs because of the way they would reflect on the royal family. According to Thomas Sr., his conversation with Prince Harry got so heated that he hung up on the royal.

“I’m not mad at Harry. I’m not mad at Meghan. I love them. I wish them well,” Thomas added. “But as for the rest of it, … I’m done.”

Thomas did not attend his daughter’s royal wedding because he underwent heart surgery days before the ceremony.

How Did Meghan Markle React to the Paparazzi Photo?

The Duchess of Sussex offered her own recollections of the controversy on her 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry and Meghan.

“H[arry] and I called my dad. I said, ‘They’re saying you’re taking money from the tabloids to stage photos. Is this true?’ He says, ‘No,’” Meghan relayed. “And on that call, I’d said to him, ‘Look. If they can’t stop this story, then it’s going to come out tomorrow, so why don’t we send someone right now to your house to get you out of there now because if that’s the case, your house will be swarmed by media. We’ll get you out.’”

She went on, “He said, ‘No. I have things I need to do.’ And it felt really cagey. I was like, ‘It doesn’t make sense.’ And when we hung up, I looked at H[arry]. I was like, ‘I don’t know why but I don’t believe him.’”

In that same Netflix special, Prince Harry said he felt somewhat responsible for the disintegration of Meghan’s relationship with her father.

“She had a father before this,” the Duke of Sussex told Harry & Meghan viewers, referring to his wife’s life prior to living in the royal spotlight. “Now she doesn’t have a father. I shouldered that. Because if Meg wasn’t with me, then her dad would still be her dad. It’s amazing what people would do when offered a huge amount of money. Fifty thousand, a hundred thousand, to hand over photographs, to create a story. And thank God most of them said no.”

Have Meghan Markle and Thomas Markle Sr. Reconciled?

In the years since their estrangement, Thomas Sr. has expressed hope of reconciling with his daughter so that her and Harry’s children — Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet — can meet their cousins.

Thomas Sr. shared his disappointment that Archie and Lilibet are not close with their paternal cousins — Princes George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte— either since Meghan and Harry are also on the outs with Prince William and Kate Middleton. (Prince Harry reportedly mended fences with his father, King Charles III, during a U.K. visit in September 2025, but Us reported that same month that William still had “tension” with his brother.)

“The relationships between cousins is a special one. There’s a unique bond,” Thomas Jr. told the Daily Mail in June 2024. “I feel sad that Lilibet and Archie don’t have the chance to get to know their cousins and take part in things like Trooping the Colour, which is their birthright.”

News broke in October 2026 that Meghan sent her father a letter during his December 2025 hospitalization, claiming that she was aware of child abuse allegations made against him. In the letter, per Hello!, the duchess said Thomas Sr. would never meet Archie and Lili. (Thomas Sr., who vehemently denied the accusations, told the Daily Mail that he never received any letter from Meghan regarding the claims.)

Meghan Markle and King Charles III’s Ups and Downs Through the Years

Thomas Markle Sr. Experienced Health Issues Amid Estrangement From Meghan Markle

In December 2025, Thomas Jr. confirmed to the Daily Mail that his father was hospitalized in the Philippines in intensive care due to a recent health problem.

“I took dad to a hospital close to our home and they did various scans and the doctors said his life was in imminent danger,” Thomas Jr. confirmed on December 3. “They raced us by ambulance, with the sirens going, to a much bigger hospital in the center of the city.”

He continued, “My dad has undergone emergency surgery. I would ask everyone around the world to keep him in their thoughts.”

Thomas Sr. ultimately had his foot amputated, prompting contact from Meghan.

“I can confirm she has reached out to her father,” a rep for the Duchess of Sussex told Us later that month, without offering further details.

Thomas Sr. has had numerous health and personal struggles in recent years. He suffered a stroke in 2022 and was forced to deny reports that he’d been trapped in his home after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines in 2025.

Meghan Markle’s Dad Faces Child Sex Abuse Allegations

The Sun reported in October 2026 that an investigation was launched after Thomas Jr. turned over child sex abuse material he allegedly found in boxes at his dad’s house in the Philippines.

“When I found this material, I was horrified and I had no option but to report my dad,” he said in a statement. “I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years — but that stops now. I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him.”

Thomas Sr. denied the allegations, telling the Daily Mail that he’s “shocked” and “hurt” by his son’s “lies.”

“I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of,” he said. “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.”

Meghan also issued her own statement.

“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 to Us. “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.”

Meghan added that she wanted to “protect” her own children, Archie and Lilibet.

“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,” she continued. “I trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families.”

Meghan’s statement concluded, “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.”

Samantha, meanwhile, showed support for her dad and claimed Thomas Jr. wanted money.

“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,” she told the Daily Mail.

“My brother first came out with these lies a few weeks ago when the cash from my dad was cut off,” Samantha continued. “He has used dad as a cash cow for years and once the money stopped he made up the most outrageous lies he could to try and make money from the media.”

Samantha concluded, “There is no proof my dad downloaded any images. Those computers were out of his possession for two years. That leaves a lot of room for tampering. These are unsubstantiated allegations. Anyone could have been in contact with those computers over a couple of years. Dad was in a rehabilitation facility and did not have access to those computers.”

“I was trying to move him out of the photo. Travis kept coming back in, and I couldn’t work out why he kept coming back in,” William, 44, joked on the Friday, October 23, episode of The Graham Norton Show. “I was trying to move him out so it was just me and Taylor and the children!”

William brought his eldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, to watch Swift’s Eras Tour concert at London’s Wembley Stadium in June 2024. Before the concert commenced, Swift posed for a series of selfies with the Wales family backstage.

“Happy Bday M8! London shows are off to a splendid start 🇬🇧🇺🇸🤝,” Swift, 36, wrote via Instagram, celebrating the Prince of Wales’ birthday.

Taylor Swift Trolls Jason Kelce Over How He Acted Meeting the Royal Family

Swift, William and his children — the duke and wife Princess Kate Middleton also share son Prince Louis, who didn’t appear to attend the show — were joined by Kelce, 37, in the snapshot. Swift began dating Kelce in summer 2023, and the royal selfie served as the couple’s social media debut. (Swift and Kelce got married in July of this year.)

“I wasn’t aware [of the photo’s significance] until recently,” William quipped on Friday. “I hadn’t appreciated the significance.”

Despite William apparently trying to shoo Kelce out of the frame, the NFL star had a joyous time meeting the royal family members.

“He was the coolest motherf***er,” Travis told his brother, Jason Kelce, on an episode of their “New Heights” podcast later that month. “He was so cool. I didn’t realize this because obviously we’re backstage meeting him because he was there with little George and Charlotte, and they were an absolute delight to meet. Wasn’t sure if I was supposed to like bow to them, curtsy, just be an American idiot and shake their hand.”

Jason Kelce Said 'F—k Kings' Days Before Travis Kelce Met Prince William

Jason, 38, has also been present for the regal meet-and-greet, noting that the brothers received a “warning” about interacting with William and his kids.

“They said that because we weren’t at, like, an official royal event, we didn’t need to bow or curtsy,” Jason said. “If it would have been like an official meeting of royalty event, then it would have been that, but I did still address him as ‘Your Royal Highness.’”

Nearly two years later, William and the Kelces relived the Eras meeting during a guest appearance on “New Heights.”

“Honestly, one of the coolest moments ever was meeting you and the little ones that day,” Travis told William on a July episode of his podcast. “We were so nervous to meet you guys and the royal family, and Jason has this running joke where he didn’t know what to do with his beer.”

“As a mum of young children ­herself, she is utterly devastated by all of this,” the unidentified friend told The Sun on Friday, October 23, speaking with Meghan’s blessing. “Above all, her thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed. Their welfare and protection have to come first.”

One day earlier, Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., told The Sun that he allegedly found child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in boxes at their father’s home in the Philippines and alerted authorities. Thomas Sr., 82, has vehemently denied the accusations, branding the claims as “sick lies.”

“After so many years of living with deeply troubling concerns, there is also a real sense of relief that these matters are now being properly investigated,” Meghan’s friend told the outlet. “She has been guided by legal advice about what she could say publicly and has had to live with the frustration of not being able to speak openly, while trusting that the appropriate authorities would do their job.”

UK Police Address Investigation Into Meghan Markle's Estranged Dad Thomas

Meghan, 45, who has been estranged from her father since her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, publicly addressed the accusations earlier on Friday.

“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,” the As Ever founder said in a statement to Us. “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.”

Meghan further explained that the letter, which reportedly accused Thomas of sexually abusing a child, was a driving force in the pair’s estrangement.

Prince Harry's Past Remarks on Thomas Markle Resurface Amid Investigation

“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,” added Meghan, who shares two kids with Harry, 42. “I trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families.”

Meghan continued, “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.”

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). 

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.

“The FBI is aware of the allegations and will provide support, as appropriate, to the Philippine authorities,” an FBI spokesperson told Us on Friday, October 23. “We will also investigate any related allegations of federal violations of U.S. law.”

Us has reached out to the FBI for comment.

Shocking news broke on Thursday, October 22, that Thomas Sr., 82, was being probed by law enforcement officials in the Philippines after his son, Thomas Markle Jr., allegedly found CSAM images in his Cebu home and turned him in. (Thomas Sr. moved back to the U.S. earlier this year after having a portion of his left leg amputated.)

Meghan Markle’s Family Guide: Parents, Siblings and More

“When I found this material I was horrified and I had no option but to report my dad. I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years — but that stops now,” Thomas Jr., 60, told The Sun. “I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him.”

The accusations were strongly denied by Thomas Jr.’s sister Samantha Markle and by Thomas Sr. himself, who dismissed his son’s claims as “sick lies.”

“I’m shocked, I’m hurt and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me,” Thomas Sr. told the Daily Mail on Friday. “I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of.”

Thomas Sr. added, “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.”

In light of these allegations, Meghan, 45, claimed in a statement to Us that a letter containing “troubling and disturbing allegations” about her father was passed on to her by London’s Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection in 2018.

“I was given assurances that these [allegations] were being investigated,” the Duchess of Sussex said. “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.”

Prince Harry's Past Remarks on Thomas Markle Resurface Amid Investigation

Meghan continued, “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.”

On Friday, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed to Us that it was aware of press reports that “officers from the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Command were involved in the passing on of a letter [to Meghan] in 2018.”

The spokesperson added, “We are undertaking enquiries internally in an effort to confirm this.”

More allegations emerged on Friday when The Sun reported that the Met received a letter in 2018 that accused Thomas Sr. of sexually assaulting a child. The writer alleged that Thomas Sr. specifically traveled to the Philippines and Thailand to abuse children.

Thomas Sr. has not publicly addressed the accusations. Us has reached out to him for comment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.