A family getaway intended to provide Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with time away from public attention has taken on added significance following disturbing allegations involving the Duchess of Sussex's estranged father.
The couple have reportedly travelled overseas with their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, as Meghan deals with the emotional fallout from reports of an investigation into Thomas Markle Sr.
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Although their destination remains undisclosed, a friend told Hello! Magazine that Meghan had arranged to step away from media coverage before the allegations became public.
The timing has nevertheless placed the family's travels under scrutiny, with the duchess reportedly struggling to process the allegations while focusing on her children.
"She's just really, really upset," the friend said, describing Meghan's reaction to the reports.
"She keeps on looking at Lili and she's in tears, and thinking about all the children, the alleged victims," the insider continued. "She has young children herself. It's just devastating."
The investigation has also renewed attention on Meghan's longstanding estrangement from her father, who did not attend her wedding to Harry in 2018.
In a statement issued last week, the duchess said she had previously been informed of disturbing allegations involving Thomas Sr. and believed the authorities were investigating them.
"I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications' distortion over the years, any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children, was for one reason: to protect them," Meghan said.
London's Metropolitan Police subsequently confirmed receiving a letter containing allegations in January 2019 and passing it to the Sussexes' office. Meghan's representatives accepted the police records after she initially recalled the correspondence taking place in 2018.
Markle Sr. denies accusations as investigation continues
Authorities in the Philippines are examining allegations that child sexual abuse material was discovered among belongings associated with Thomas Sr. at his former home in Cebu.
The investigation followed claims from Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., who reportedly discovered the material and contacted authorities.
Thomas Sr., 82, has strongly denied possessing such images, describing the accusations as "sick lies" in an interview with the Daily Mail.
No finding of guilt has been established, and investigators are continuing their examination of the reported evidence. The controversy has placed renewed attention on Meghan's decision to distance herself from her father.
Prince Harry and Meghan look ahead to family time
According to the friend quoted by Hello!, Meghan has found it difficult to escape the coverage despite deliberately stepping away from the media.
Messages of sympathy from friends have reportedly added to an already emotional situation. "She's in bits," the insider said.
The duchess also has a television appearance approaching, having agreed to join the returning Junior MasterChef Australia as a special guest.
"I love cooking with my own kids, so seeing what these young stars create in the kitchen is going to be a lot of fun. I can't wait to see what they cook up!" Meghan said when announcing her involvement.
Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan's reported trip offers an opportunity to spend time with Archie and Lilibet away from the immediate public attention surrounding the allegations.