London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that it received a letter in early 2019 containing multiple allegations related to Thomas Markle, father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. The claims reportedly involved serious offenses occurring outside the United Kingdom, specifically in the Philippines. The letter was reviewed by the Met and subsequently forwarded to the office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for their awareness. However, the police did not share the information with other law enforcement agencies at the time.
Meghan Markle publicly addressed the situation in late October, expressing that she was deeply distressed by the allegations against her father. She said she had previously blocked him from contacting her children due to what she described as “troubling and disturbing” accusations. Meghan stated that she had seen the original letter sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection in 2018 and had been assured that the matter was under investigation.
Despite these assurances, sources indicate that the Metropolitan Police were not actively investigating the allegations. The force is currently reviewing its handling of the case, including whether to refer itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for oversight. A spokesperson for the Met acknowledged that details contained in the letter were not shared with other authorities, a decision that has drawn criticism.
Reports from the Philippines indicate ongoing investigations into Thomas Markle, centered on accusations of possession of child sexual abuse material. Local police in Cebu City confirmed an active inquiry but did not provide further details. An FBI spokesperson in the United States also acknowledged awareness of the case and indicated coordination with Philippine authorities as appropriate.
Thomas Markle, who is reportedly in a rehabilitation facility in Florida, has denied all allegations. He described the claims as “sick lies” and stated he has never engaged in any illegal activity, including providing a firm denial regarding accusations of involvement with minors. Markle has also expressed frustration that he was not informed about the letter sent to UK police or given an opportunity to respond to the claims sooner.
The Metropolitan Police reportedly received the letter through its Fixated Threat Assessment Centre, a unit tasked with monitoring potential security risks. Upon receipt, the information was passed to royal protection officers, who conveyed it to Meghan. She was advised not to discuss the allegations publicly, as doing so might jeopardize ongoing investigations. When the existence of the letter became public, the Met requested a copy from Meghan’s office after failing to locate the original document.
The handling of the case has prompted scrutiny from former law enforcement officials and members of the public, with some expressing surprise that the Met did not notify overseas authorities or conduct its own preliminary investigation. A former head of the Royal Protection Command described the police response as “gobsmacked and flabbergasted” and emphasized a duty to protect both Meghan and potential victims.
The unfolding situation highlights challenges around jurisdiction and inter-agency cooperation in international allegations, as well as the sensitive balance between royal privacy and public interest. The Metropolitan Police have stated they are committed to reviewing their actions and ensuring appropriate steps are taken moving forward.