Meghan Markle's mental wellbeing suffers amid family crisis, friends reveal

Meghan Markle is leaning on close friends for support as she grapples with upsetting allegations involving her estranged father, Thomas Markle Snr.

The Duchess of Sussex is understood to be taking some time away from the spotlight with Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as she tries to process the distressing developments.

Friends outside the UK have reportedly been checking in on her daily, offering comfort as she navigates what has become an emotionally difficult period.

According to HELLO!, a friend described her as devastated by the allegations.

"Meghan just really, really upset," the friend said.

"She keeps on looking at Lili and she's in tears, and thinking about all the children, the alleged victims. She has young children herself."

The source also said that she had decided to step back from media coverage to protect her mental health before the latest developments emerged.

But messages from friends in Britain and elsewhere have continued to reach her, making it difficult to escape the situation entirely.

"It's just been an emotional rollercoaster for her. She's in bits," the friend added.

The distress comes as Thomas Markle Snr faces an investigation following the alleged discovery of child sexual abuse images at his home in the Philippines.

Thomas has strongly denied any wrongdoing, and the allegations have not been established as fact.

For Meghan, the situation also brings back painful memories of the breakdown in her relationship with her father.