The FBI confirmed it is monitoring the situation. In a statement, the bureau said: “The FBI is aware of the allegations and will provide support, as appropriate, to the Philippine authorities.” It added that it would also look into “any related allegations of federal violations of US law.”
Meanwhile, Samantha Markle, Thomas Sr’s eldest daughter and Meghan’s half-sister, has rallied behind her father. She accused Thomas Jr. of fabricating the claims for financial gain, describing his allegations as “making up lies” to earn money.
Samantha and Thomas Jr. are both children from Mr Markle Sr.’s first marriage, before he married Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland. The Markle family has been publicly fractured for years, with various members giving competing media interviews since Meghan’s relationship with Prince Harry became public.
Meghan’s relationship with her father broke down ahead of her May 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, after it emerged he had staged photographs with paparazzi. He did not attend the ceremony, and then-Prince Charles walked the bride down the aisle. Ms Ragland was the sole member of her family present.
In 2025, Mr Markle Sr. relocated to the Philippines following a series of strokes. That December, he underwent life-saving surgery in which his leg was amputated.
He is now understood to be at a rehabilitation facility in Florida, relearning to walk.