Meghan Markle , the Duchess of Sussex, has said she is “deeply distressed” by allegations that her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., possessed child sexual abuse images, revealing that she had been informed of “troubling and disturbing” allegations against him in 2018.

Philippine authorities confirmed on Friday that they were investigating the matter after reports that Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., had allegedly discovered a collection of such images at their father’s former home in Cebu. Thomas Markle Sr., 82, has denied the allegations.

“Our Anti-Trafficking and Anti-OSAEC (online sexual abuse and exploitation of children) task force in Cebu is currently investigating the matter,” Philippine Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty told Reuters.

In a statement issued on Friday, Meghan said, “I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed.”

There are shock claims Meghan Markle’s father is being…