The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are scheduled to travel to Brussels next week for a European Parliament event focused on the dangers children face online.
Prince Harry and Meghan will deliver a joint keynote address at the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial on Tuesday, marking their first expected public appearance together since allegations involving Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle Sr, emerged.
The couple will speak about the importance of protecting children in digital spaces during their 15 to 20-minute address.
European Parliament Leaders to Attend Memorial Opening
Harry and Meghan are expected to hear speeches from European Parliament president Roberta Metsola and MEP Antonio Lopez-Isturiz, the first vice-chairman of the Child Rights Intergroup, before delivering their own remarks.
They will also visit the memorial exhibition, which honours children who have lost their lives following harm experienced through social media.
Later, Prince Harry will participate in a panel discussion titled Beyond Promises: Building A Digital Future That Works For Children, focusing on measures to improve online safety for young people.
Philippine Police Investigate Alleged Child Abuse Images
The visit comes as authorities in the Philippines investigate suspected child sexual abuse and exploitation images reportedly found among electronic devices and storage materials linked to Thomas Markle Sr.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said videos allegedly depicting child sexual abuse and exploitation were among files discovered in four storage boxes.
Major General Wilson Asueta said investigators had not yet established who owned the devices recovered. The items reportedly included nine mobile phones, three memory cards, five hard drives and a camera.
The investigation began after Thomas Markle Jr reported his father to Philippine police and the FBI last month. He allegedly handed over images he said he had discovered among his father’s belongings in Cebu City.
Further Material Discovered in Mexican Storage Unit
A second collection of suspected material was reportedly found last Friday during a raid by Mexican police at a storage facility near Thomas Markle Sr’s former home in Rosarito, Mexico.
The 82-year-old is said to have rented the storage unit.
Reports have also claimed that Markle Sr was moved to a specialist memory care facility in Florida after returning to the United States.
The development has raised questions about whether FBI investigators will be able to interview him, given reported concerns about his cognitive condition and possible legal restrictions surrounding the questioning of suspects receiving specialist care.
Meghan Says Earlier Letter Contained Disturbing Allegations
Meghan was reportedly deeply distressed by the allegations involving her father.
The Duchess previously revealed that she received a letter through the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection seven years ago containing what she described as troubling and disturbing allegations about him.
She said she was assured at the time that the concerns were being investigated.
The Metropolitan Police has acknowledged that details of the letter were not shared with other law enforcement agencies. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is now investigating the force’s handling of the matter.
Sources said Meghan had wanted to speak publicly after reading the letter but was advised by police not to do so.
Meghan and Her Father Have Been Estranged Since 2018
The Duchess has had no direct relationship with her father since the period leading up to her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.
Thomas Markle Sr faced criticism after staging photographs with paparazzi before the wedding. He subsequently suffered a heart attack and was unable to attend the ceremony.
King Charles, who was then Prince of Wales, walked Meghan down the aisle.
Last year, Markle Sr underwent a leg amputation in the Philippines and made public appeals for his daughter to contact him, saying he did not want to die while they remained estranged.
A spokesperson for Meghan later confirmed that she had reached out to her father.
Markle Sr Denies Possessing Child Abuse Images
Thomas Markle Sr returned to the United States in May after living in the Philippines.
He has admitted paying for sex in the Philippines but has denied ever possessing child sexual abuse imagery.
The allegations involving him have emerged as police investigations continue in several countries, with authorities yet to establish ownership of the devices and materials reportedly recovered.
Sussexes’ Brussels Visit to Focus on Children’s Digital Protection
Despite the family controversy, Harry and Meghan are scheduled to proceed with their Brussels engagement centred on children’s online safety.
Their joint address at the Lost Screen Memorial will be followed by the Duke’s participation in the panel discussion on building a digital environment that better protects children.
The event will bring together European Parliament representatives and other participants to discuss the impact of online platforms and the need for stronger safeguards for young users.
