Thomas Markle moved to dementia care home amid ongoing child porn investigation, report says

Reported move to Florida care

The US Sun reported that Thomas Markle Sr. has been diagnosed with dementia and moved to a facility specializing in dementia care. He was photographed in Lakeland, Florida, on Friday, being pushed in a wheelchair by care facility aides.

His return followed a stroke that led to a blood clot and the amputation of his left leg below the knee. He is a former lighting director.

Investigation and allegations

The investigation became public five months after Markle’s return to the United States. His son, Thomas Markle Jr., allegedly found hundreds or thousands of child sexual abuse images at his father’s former home in Cebu, reported him to authorities, and made the allegations public.

Markle Sr. called the claims “bulls–t” and said, “I could never do what I’m being accused of.” Samantha Markle, 61, defended her father and accused her brother of seeking “revenge.” A Daily Mail reporter later alleged that additional material was found in Markle’s abandoned storage unit in Mexico. Page Six reported that officials obtained a warrant in the Philippines to search his digital devices.

Possible effect on probe

A source told the US Sun that Markle’s alleged cognitive issues could hinder the FBI’s investigation. Meghan Markle’s representative did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment. The Department of Justice’s Office of the Regional Prosecutor VII said appropriate legal action may be pursued if sufficient evidence identifies anyone who may be held liable.

Family response and 2019 letter

Meghan, 45, said she was “deeply distressed” by the news. The article said Prince Harry’s royal relatives would likely keep their distance and avoid becoming involved. The Daily Mail reported that Prince William and Kate Middleton, both 44, were made aware of a 2019 letter to police accusing Markle Sr. of child sexual abuse, which was later passed to Meghan. Sources close to the Palace told Page Six the claims about the couple were untrue.