The Metropolitan Police has initiated a self-referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following criticism over its handling of allegations against Thomas Markle, the father of the Duchess of Sussex. The force received a letter in 2019 containing claims about alleged criminal activity by Markle outside the United Kingdom but did not share the information with relevant law enforcement agencies abroad at that time.

The letter, reportedly authored by Markle’s former wife, Roslyn Loveless, included allegations of serious offending spanning several countries, including the United States, the Philippines, and Thailand. Thomas Markle, 82, who currently resides in the US, has denied possession of child sexual abuse material but has admitted to paying for sex.

The Metropolitan Police have stated that they did not conduct an investigation because the alleged activities occurred outside their jurisdiction. However, concerns have been raised over the force’s failure to forward the allegations to international authorities for a period of seven years. Only recently have the Metropolitan Police shared details from the letter with the FBI, Philippine police, and Thai law enforcement.

This week, a court in the Philippines authorized police to search digital devices seized from Markle’s residence there. Philippine Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla has indicated that current findings raise significant concerns, labeling Markle as a “possible sex offender of the grossest kind.” He emphasized that a complete forensic examination would provide clearer evidence.

The IOPC announced it would conduct an independent investigation focusing on the Metropolitan Police’s decision not to alert foreign police forces upon receiving the 2019 letter. The inquiry will examine whether established police procedures were followed and who within the force was responsible for the decision. Additionally, the Met referred itself over passing the letter to the office of the Duchess of Sussex, though the IOPC has opted not to investigate that particular action.

The contents of the letter are also understood to have contributed to the estrangement between Meghan Markle and her father. The Metropolitan Police have acknowledged that the handling of the allegations fell short of expectations and have undertaken the self-referral to ensure greater transparency and accountability.

The ongoing investigations in both the UK and the Philippines continue as authorities seek to clarify the scope and validity of the allegations against Thomas Markle.