Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan Markle, is the subject of a criminal investigation in the Philippines. His own son claims he found a large collection of child sexual abuse images at the 82-year-old's home there.

Thomas Sr. denies the accusation. The case has split the Markle family and drawn a public statement from the Duchess of Sussex.

What police have confirmed

A spokesperson for the Cebu City Police Office said a special unit called the Women and Children Protection Center has been assigned to the case. The spokesperson called it a criminal investigation and said the details are confidential.

Officials in the Philippines say a forensic report on the material is expected within days. No charges have been announced.

The son's claim

Thomas Markle Jr. told a British tabloid he found "hundreds, if not thousands" of images and videos in four large boxes at his father's home in Cebu. He says they were mixed in with family keepsakes.

Thomas Sr. left the Philippines in May for medical care in the United States after a stroke and a blood clot that led to his left leg being amputated. His son says he made the discovery after that.

Thomas Jr. said he felt he had no choice but to report his father and that he will not speak to him again unless he is called to testify.

Meghan speaks out

Meghan said in a statement that she was "deeply distressed" by the news and that her thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed.

She revealed that a letter making troubling allegations about her father was sent to London's Metropolitan Police and the royal protection unit in 2018. She said she was told the claims were being looked into. The Met has since confirmed it sent a letter containing a number of claims about him in early 2019.

Meghan said those claims were the only reason she kept her distance from her father and did not let him have contact with her children. She said she hopes justice is served and that the focus stays on protecting children.

Thomas Sr. denies everything

Thomas Sr. told reporters he was shocked and hurt by his son's accusations. He called them a pack of lies and said he could never do what he is accused of.

He said he has no idea why his son is trying to destroy him.

A family divided

Meghan's half sister Samantha Markle has sided with their father. She accused Thomas Jr. of inventing the story after their father stopped giving him money.

Samantha also claims the computers in question were out of her father's hands for two years while he was in a rehabilitation facility.

Samantha's daughter Noelle Rasmussen sees it differently. In an interview she said the allegations do not surprise her and that something about her grandfather always felt off. She stressed that she was never a victim herself.

The FBI steps in

The FBI says it is aware of the allegations. An official said the bureau will support Philippine authorities as appropriate and will look into any possible violations of U.S. law.