In 2019, the Metropolitan Police received a handwritten letter from Roslyn Loveless, the late first wife of Thomas Markle Sr., containing serious allegations that accused Markle of being a serial abuser of children. The letter, sent to the Met’s Fixated Threat Assessment Centre—which handles cases involving individuals fixated on public figures—claimed that Markle had traveled to Thailand and the Philippines for illegal activities involving minors. Despite deeming the letter credible enough to inform Meghan Markle, then a member of the British Royal Family, the police did not initiate an investigation or share the information with relevant authorities overseas.
The Metropolitan Police’s decision not to pursue the allegations or notify international law enforcement has prompted criticism and speculation. Experts in child protection have expressed concern that the failure to act may have allowed potential abuse to continue unchecked for years. Jim Gamble, former head of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, highlighted that protocols typically require information about threats involving foreign jurisdictions to be shared with partners such as the FBI’s legal attaché. Gamble described the Met’s inaction as “really difficult to understand,” given they took the step of informing the duchess and her security team.
Similarly, Dai Davies, former head of Scotland Yard’s Royal Protection Command, said he was “gobsmacked” by the lack of communication with other police bodies and emphasized that the Met had a duty of care toward both Meghan Markle and any alleged victims to investigate the claims thoroughly.
The circumstances surrounding the letter remain murky. Loveless, who passed away in 2024, was described by Meghan’s half-sister Samantha Markle as “not credible” and driven by “hatred and bitterness.” Samantha has also accused Thomas Markle Jr., who reportedly discovered evidence at their father’s home in the Philippines, of fabricating stories for financial gain. The Markle family remains deeply divided, with conflicting narratives complicating the broader picture.
Thomas Markle Sr. has denied the allegations, labeling them “sick lies.” Meghan Markle, meanwhile, has maintained a publicly supportive stance toward her father, including statements made in a 2022 Netflix documentary where she described herself as “a daddy’s girl.” This contrast has raised questions about her knowledge of and response to the allegations following the Met’s disclosure in 2019.
The Metropolitan Police have stated they are reviewing the handling of the case, while Buckingham Palace has declined to comment, describing the matter as personal to the Sussex family. The unfolding situation has drawn attention not only because of the gravity of the accusations but also due to their potential implications for the Royal Family and the integrity of associated institutions.
As investigations and reviews continue, many observers emphasize the need for transparency to address outstanding questions and ensure that if any wrongdoing occurred, it is properly addressed by the relevant authorities.