Thomas Markle Sr. reportedly investigated over alleged child abuse images

The allegations concern material reportedly discovered at Thomas Markle Sr.'s home in Cebu, in the Philippines. He is Meghan Markle's estranged father.

According to the New York Post, his son, Thomas Markle Jr., said he found "hundreds, if not thousands" of alleged child sexual abuse images in storage boxes and reported his father to local police. The account describes an allegation, not an established finding.

On October 22, The Daily Beast Latest Articles reported that Thomas Markle Sr. was under investigation by police in the Philippines over the alleged material.

The same day, the Daily Mail reported that his son had alerted police. Its coverage also carried a direct challenge to the allegations from his daughter, Samantha Markle, who called them "all lies."

Also on October 22, the New York Post reported that the FBI was poised to open its own investigation. The supplied coverage does not establish that such an investigation had begun.

On October 23, the Sydney Morning Herald reported the son's account that he had reported his father to police for allegedly possessing child abuse images. That report continued to frame the possession claim as an allegation.

The reported Philippine police investigation is the central development. The supplied coverage does not include a police statement, details of any charges or a finding about the alleged images.

There is also a clear dispute within the family: Thomas Markle Jr. says he reported his father, while Samantha Markle rejects the claims, according to the Daily Mail. Her denial does not resolve the allegations, and the reports do not establish guilt.

The main outstanding issues are official confirmation of the Philippine investigation, what investigators establish about the alleged material and whether any charges follow. The supplied reports do not settle those points.

Whether the FBI opens an investigation is another unresolved question. The New York Post reported possible American involvement, rather than a confirmed investigation already under way.