Meghan Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., made headlines earlier this year when he came out about his relationship with a Filipina nurse 35 years his junior. The romance is now under fresh scrutiny after reports that the 82-year-old is being investigated over alleged possession of “hundreds, if not thousands” of child pornography materials at his home in the Philippines.
Thomas’ son, Thomas Markle Jr., found his stash and alerted authorities, who launched an investigation, as per The Sun’s reports. His daughter Samantha Markle has denied the allegations, but the case has nevertheless brought the spotlight on Thomas Sr.’s relationship with Rio Canedo.
Thomas Markle Sr. met his much-younger partner during treatment in the Philippines
Rio Canedo, 47, is a Filipina nurse who reportedly met Thomas Sr. while he was receiving medical treatment in the Philippines. The pair reportedly first met when Thomas was hospitalized after a life-threatening health emergency in December 2025.
At the time, Thomas was 81, while Canedo was 46. He had developed a serious blood clot that affected the circulation in his left leg, ultimately requiring an amputation below the knee. Following surgery and intensive care, he began his recovery in Cebu, where Canedo was working.
After months of speculation about a romantic connection, Thomas spoke publicly about his relationship with Canedo. In a March 2026 interview with the Daily Mail, Thomas described the romance as an unexpected source of happiness during a difficult period in his life. He told the publication:
“I never expected to find joy and happiness again at my age. I felt neglected and sad for so many years, but now I am enjoying life again. After so many tough times, I feel truly blessed to have found someone very special who takes such good care of me.”
He also praised the care he received in the Philippines and said meeting Canedo changed his outlook on life after years of sadness and loneliness. Thomas said:
“After my stroke, things were not great. I wanted to go to the other side of the world to a place where the people are kind. The Philippines have a gentler way of life. I never expected to meet Rio and have my life changed in such a wonderful way.”
Canedo also spoke up about their relationship, recalling that their first interaction happened when Thomas waved at her as he was being admitted to the hospital. She described him as a gentleman, despite his grumpy reputation.
Thomas and Rio were said to be affectionate and comfortable together, often laughing and teasing each other. Thomas also suggested marriage wasn’t entirely out of the question, though he said they hadn’t discussed it seriously. He told the Daily Mail, “I would marry Rio if it was beneficial to her, but it’s not something we’ve discussed,” explaining that they were focused on enjoying their relationship.
Rio Canedo has largely maintained a low profile, and limited information is available about her career and personal life beyond what has been documented in media reports.
Thomas Sr. faces serious allegations about possessing content related to sexual abuse of minors
The relationship has come back into focus after The Sun reported that Thomas Jr. discovered what he described as a large quantity of alleged child sexual abuse material among belongings at his father’s home in Cebu.
Thomas Jr. told the outlet that he initially found the material on an old mobile phone while searching for a device. He later reportedly sought technical assistance to examine storage devices, which allegedly revealed additional content. He said he was horrified by what he found and reported it to authorities. Philippine investigators are reportedly preparing to examine the alleged evidence, and the FBI has received information related to the case.
Thomas Jr. told The Sun that he had supported and cared for his father for years but would no longer maintain contact unless required to provide evidence. Thomas Sr. reportedly returned to the United States in May after his health complications and is currently receiving care at a nursing and rehabilitation facility in Florida.
The controversy also comes amid Thomas Sr.’s long-running estrangement from Meghan. The father and daughter have had little to no contact since 2018, shortly before her wedding to Prince Harry. Their relationship deteriorated after Thomas became embroiled in a controversy over staged paparazzi photographs ahead of the ceremony.
Reports say Meghan reached out to her father after his health crisis, but there’s no indication their estrangement has ended. Notably, Prince Harry has never met Thomas Sr. in person.
Since Thomas Sr.’s return to the U.S., no reports indicate contact between him and Rio Canedo.
Image courtesy: LionsShareNews, Channel 5, X
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