Police Apologize to Meghan Markle’s Half-Brother After Naming Him a Person of Interest in Father’s Investigation

The investigation involving Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas Markle Sr., has taken another unexpected turn. Philippine police have reportedly apologized to Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., after initially naming him a “person of interest” in an inquiry into alleged child sexual abuse material connected to their father. The apology came after investigators reportedly interviewed people close to Thomas Jr. and reviewed explanations about activities at his home.

The controversy began on November 5, when Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced that authorities were examining whether Thomas Jr., 60, could have been involved in possible criminal activity. Remulla said witnesses had alleged that underage girls were brought to a residence associated with Thomas Jr. He also mentioned ring lights found at the property, which Thomas Jr. reportedly explained were used to record TikTok videos. At the time, officials stressed that he was a person of interest, not a formal suspect.

According to reports cited by PEOPLE, The Sun and other outlets, investigators subsequently spoke with Thomas Jr.’s fiancée, Rose Ann Gabuya, and other people in his social circle. Gabuya reportedly explained that younger female relatives, including her siblings and niece, regularly visited the home and used the ring lights to make social media videos. A source close to the investigation told The Sun that the matter had been cleared up and that officers were apologetic. The reported apology represents a significant reversal from the public comments that initially placed Thomas Jr. under scrutiny.

Thomas Jr. was also the person who reportedly alerted authorities after claiming he discovered suspected child sexual abuse material among his father’s belongings at a former residence in Cebu, Philippines. Philippine investigators have said they recovered thousands of suspected illegal images and a video from electronic devices. Authorities have sought assistance from the FBI as they work to establish who owned the devices and who accessed the material. The investigation is not limited to determining whether the files were present; investigators are also examining the circumstances surrounding their storage and use.

Meanwhile, Thomas Markle Sr., 82, was arrested by the FBI in Florida on November 6. Federal prosecutors charged him with one count of possession of child pornography after investigators allegedly found sexually explicit images involving minors. He has denied wrongdoing, and the charge has not yet been proven in court. If convicted, he could face a substantial prison sentence. His arrest is part of a separate U.S. criminal proceeding, while Philippine authorities continue examining evidence connected to his former home.

The latest development brings some relief to Thomas Jr., who had found himself under public suspicion despite being the person who initially raised concerns about his father’s belongings. However, the wider investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not publicly resolved every question about the recovered material. For Meghan Markle and her family, the case continues to unfold across two countries, with serious allegations, competing accounts and legal proceedings still ahead.

Sources:

• PEOPLE