The Duchess of Sussex’s estranged father has firmly denied child sex allegations, vowing to clear his name. Thomas Markle, 82, addressed the recent claims that have sparked international police inquiries, telling the Mail on Sunday: “I have never had sex with anyone under the age of 18.” But the retired Hollywood lighting director acknowledged travelling to the Philippines at least twice while single and paying for sex. He added: “I like Asian women but that is not a crime.” Speaking from a Florida nursing facility where he is recovering from a leg amputation, Mr Markle protested his innocence and pledged to co-operate fully with investigators.
During the extensive interview, Mr Markle outlined his defence, stating that he is willing to take a lie detector test and speak directly to investigators, that he suspects his son, Thomas Markle Jnr—who reported him to the police—could be behind an original letter sent to Scotland Yard containing a number of claims about alleged offending, and that any illicit images found on his computer were “planted”.
He also claimed that the books described by his son as “pornographic” are standard texts on Hollywood history and photography and that he believes Meghan used the unproven claims as a reason to permanently cut him off from his grandchildren, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five. The latest developments come as the Metropolitan Police face scrutiny over their handling of the initial allegations.
Earlier this week, Meghan stated she was made aware of “troubling and disturbing” claims in 2018, which she said cemented her decision to distance herself from her father. However, the Met recently admitted that, after receiving the letter detailing the claims in 2019, they did not pass information about “alleged offending outside the UK” to international law enforcement agencies.
Mr Markle has now questioned why the Duchess never approached him regarding the letter, arguing he was stripped of the opportunity to defend himself against the accusations. “She never said a word to me about this letter accusing me of such terrible things,” Mr Markle said.
“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. “Why did Meghan not ask me about it? I will do whatever it takes to clear my name.
“I have nothing to hide. I am an innocent man and she gave me no chance to defend myself. I have been asking to see my grandchildren before I die.” Addressing an alleged 35mm photograph purportedly showing a bearded man resembling him with a female, Mr Markle firmly denied his involvement, stating: “I have never been in a photograph like that.”
Officials in the Philippines have confirmed that Mr Markle is currently being investigated by Cebu City’s anti-trafficking and anti-child abuse task force. The inquiry was launched after his 60-year-old son claimed to have found child abuse images on computers his father left behind when he relocated to the United States.
Tom Jnr stated he was “horrified” by the discovery and had “no option” but to report his father to the authorities, while the FBI is also poised to review the matter.