Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, responds to disturbing allegations against her estranged father

WARNING: Some of the details may be disturbing. Viewer and reader discretion is advised.

NEW YORK (CBS, KYMA) - Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, responded to serious and disturbing allegations involving her estranged father Thomas Markle.

The British tabloid, The Sun, reported overnight that Thomas Markle Sr., Markle's father, is under investigation in the Philippines following allegations that a large amount of child sexual abuse images were found at his home.

According to the Sun, Markle's half-brother informed authorities in the Philippines this summer of the alleged discovery of "hundreds, if not thousands" of child sexual abuse images, including videos, in four large boxes at his home there.

Some were mixed with family mementos, and according to the Sun, some of the children appeared to be no older than ten or 11.

In a statement sent to CBS News, the Duchess of Sussex said she was first informed by British Police about "disturbing allegations" against her father in 2018.

She said she was "deeply distressed" by the news "that has come to light in the last 24 hours," adding that her thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed.

Markle also wrote, "Any distance from my father, and my choice to not allow him to have contact with [me and Harry's] children, was for one reason: To protect them."

In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Markle acknowledged her estranged relationship with her father.

She also discussed how she confronted her father about speaking to the press ahead of her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.

"When I said we won't be able to protect our own kids one day and, and I said, so I just need you to tell me. And if you tell me the truth, we can help…and he wasn't able to do that…and that for me has really resonated, especially now as a mother," Markle told Winfrey.