The Metropolitan Police confirmed it shared a letter containing allegations concerning the Duchess of Sussex’s father, Thomas Markle Sr, with her in 2019. The letter, which reportedly included claims of serious offending outside the United Kingdom, was not passed on to other law enforcement agencies. This disclosure emerged amid recent reports that Markle Sr is under investigation following accusations involving child sexual abuse material.
The letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police’s Protection Command in January 2019 and shared with the office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, according to Scotland Yard. While the police are reviewing their handling of the matter and may refer themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), no further action involving other agencies has been confirmed.
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, who is estranged from her father and has barred him from contact with her children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, expressed deep distress over the allegations. Her spokesman clarified that she was informed of the allegations in 2019 but refrained from public comment to avoid compromising potential investigations and legal repercussions. Meghan emphasized her priority is the safety and protection of children, while also acknowledging the emotional difficulty of the situation.
The allegations include claims made by Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr, who told Philippine authorities he discovered a large number of child sexual abuse images stored at their father’s former residence in Cebu, Philippines. Markle Jr also reported contacting U.S. authorities about the material. Philippine officials have taken possession of boxes and electronic devices linked to Markle Sr for examination. Authorities in the Philippines have indicated the investigation is ongoing and emphasized the need for thorough verification before reaching conclusions.
Thomas Markle Sr, who now lives in Florida, has strongly denied the accusations, labeling them as false and “sick lies.” He acknowledged traveling to parts of Asia and said he had paid for sex but asserted he never engaged in any illegal activity involving minors.
Additional context comes from reports that a letter making such allegations was allegedly sent by Markle Sr’s first wife, Roslyn Loveless, who passed away in 2024. Loveless reportedly warned authorities about Markle Sr’s access to his grandchildren and accused him of abusive behavior during their marriage, claims he denied at the time. Some have suggested the police response to the initial letter might have been limited, leading to ongoing questions about the handling of this sensitive information.
Prominent political figures, including the UK Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, have expressed sympathy for Meghan amid what has been described as intense media scrutiny and personal intrusion. Rayner highlighted the importance of police independence and the careful management of sensitive information.
The police continue to assess the circumstances surrounding this complicated and distressing case, with the focus on ensuring the safety and welfare of any potential victims while navigating familial conflicts and ongoing investigations in multiple jurisdictions.