Meghan Markle reportedly feels a “real sense of relief” following reports of an investigation into allegations involving her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr.
A close friend of the Duchess of Sussex, speaking with her approval, told The Sun that Meghan has spent years dealing with concerns about her father while remaining silent on legal advice.
The comments follow reports that Thomas is facing scrutiny over allegations involving child sexual abuse material. He has denied the accusations.
“As a mum of young children herself, she is utterly devastated by all of this,” the friend said. “Above all, her thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed. Their welfare and protection have to come first.”
The friend added, “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 Markle’s Friend Explains Why Duchess Remained Silent for Years
According to the friend, Meghan had concerns about her father long before the latest allegations became public.
However, she reportedly followed legal advice against discussing the situation because of the potential impact on an investigation.
“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,” the friend said.
The friend also said it took years for the allegations to receive this level of attention.
Meghan previously revealed that she became aware of disturbing allegations involving her father in 2018.
“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 a statement shared with People.
A source familiar with the situation told the outlet that the allegations had not been substantiated at the time.
The source said Meghan received advice not to speak publicly because doing so could interfere with a potential investigation. She also had concerns about the legal consequences of repeating unproven allegations.
It remains unclear whether the allegations raised in 2018 are connected to the latest accusations.
Meghan Markle Addresses Decision to Keep Archie and Lilibet Away From Her Father
Meghan also addressed her estrangement from Thomas and explained why she decided against allowing him contact with her children.
The Duchess of Sussex shares Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, 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,” Meghan said.
She 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.”
Her comments followed a report that her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., claimed to have discovered “hundreds, if not thousands” of images allegedly depicting child sexual abuse at their father’s home in Cebu, Philippines.
Thomas Markle Sr. Denies Allegations Made by His Son
Thomas has denied possessing child sexual abuse material following his son’s accusations.
In a statement published by the Daily Mail on October 23, he expressed shock over the allegations and disputed his son’s account.
“I’m shocked, I’m hurt and I’m very upset that my son is making these accusations against me,” Thomas said.
“I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of.”
Meghan Markle Feels ‘Real Sense of Relief’ Amid Investigation Into Estranged Father’s Allegations