# Samantha Markle Defends Father Amid Child Abuse Probe > Samantha Markle claims a photo at the heart of child abuse probe may be her father's girlfriend, but Richard Eden says it won't improve his reputation. - Title: Samantha Markle Defends Father Amid Child Abuse Probe - Summary: Samantha Markle claims a photo at the heart of child abuse probe may be her father's girlfriend, but Richard Eden says it won't improve his reputation… - Keywords: samantha markle, thomas markle, child abuse probe, philippines police, meghan markle, fox news, palace confidential, richard eden, news, entertainment, Samantha, Markle - Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/royals/article-16249239/Samantha-Markle-defends-father-Thomas-Markle-allegations-Richard-Eden-Palace-Confidential.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss - Published: 2026-10-29T14:48:17+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: samantha markle, thomas markle, child abuse probe, philippines police, meghan markle, fox news, palace confidential, richard eden, news, entertainment ## Samantha Markle's Defense Samantha Markle claims a photograph at the heart of child abuse probe may be her father's girlfriend. > Dad dated a wonderful Japanese woman called Carolyn who I loved. She was in her 30s but she looked like a teenager. ## Richard Eden's Assessment Richard Eden says Samantha's remarks may do little to improve her father's reputation in public opinion. > Samantha's remarks 'may do little to improve her father's reputation in the court of public opinion' ## Child Abuse Probe Details Philippine police investigating Thomas Markle over alleged possession of child sexual abuse material. > police in the philippines were investigating the 82-year-old over allegations he possessed child sexual abuse material ## Source of Allegations Thomas Junior tipped police off after discovering indecent photographs in four cardboard boxes. > The 60-year-old, who had been living with his father in the Philippines, said he discovered indecent photographs and DVDs inside four cardboard boxes while searching for an old phone ## Thomas Markle's Status Thomas Markle living in Florida nursing home after estrangement from Meghan since 2018. > Samantha Markle, 61, Meghan's half-sister, has since leapt to the defence of her father, who is living in a nursing home in Florida ## Meghan's Knowledge Meghan knew about allegations against father since 2019 through Met letter from first wife. > After news of the investigation broke, Meghan released a statement revealing she had known of allegations against her father since 2019 ## Fox News Interview Thomas Senior claimed in 2021 he intended to petition California court for rights to see grandchildren. > Thomas Senior claimed in a Fox News interview that he intended to petition a California court for 'the rights to see my grandchildren' ## Legal Status No charges filed; Philippine police awaiting warrant to examine devices with FBI assistance. > No charges have been brought, and Philippine police say they are still awaiting a warrant to examine the devices, with the FBI's Tampa office now assisting ## Richard Eden's View Eden sympathizes with Meghan regarding Thomas Senior's 2021 Fox News interview. > Eden said the remarks 'may do little to improve her father's reputation in the court of public opinion' ## Historical Context Thomas Markle's first wife Roslyn Loveless died in 2024; letter to Meghan from her. > The Daily Mail understands was written by Thomas's first wife Roslyn Loveless, who died in 2024 ## Samantha's Claim Samantha claims photograph shows her father with girlfriend who looked like a teenager. > Samantha went on: 'Dad dated a wonderful Japanese woman called Carolyn who I loved. She was in her 30s but she looked like a teenager. ## Age and Appearance Samantha claims girlfriend had great skin and was small and petite, looking younger than her age. > Asian women have great skin and are small and petite. They look much younger than they are. ## Investigation Timeline Philippine police investigation began after Thomas Junior discovered child abuse material. > Last week, it emerged that police in the Philippines were investigating Thomas Markle over allegations he possessed child sexual abuse material ## Family Estrangement Meghan and Thomas Markle estranged since 2018 with no contact since. > The retired television lighting director, who Meghan has not had a relationship with since 2018, strenuously denies the accusations ## Current Status Thomas Markle living in Florida nursing home; no charges filed. > Samantha Markle, 61, Meghan's half-sister, has since leapt to the defence of her father, who is living in a nursing home in Florida ## Public Reaction Public opinion likely to remain negative about Thomas Markle despite Samantha's defense. > Eden said Samantha's remarks 'may do little to improve her father's reputation in the court of public opinion' ## Key takeaway Samantha Markle claims a photograph at the center of a child abuse investigation may show her father with a girlfriend, but Richard Eden says it will likely do little to improve his reputation.