Met Police Confirms 2019 Letter on Meghan's Father Amid Abuse Probe

The Metropolitan Police confirmed it received a letter in January 2019 containing allegations against Thomas Markle Sr. but did not share the details with other law enforcement agencies. This admission follows reports that Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., discovered child sexual abuse images at their father’s former home in the Philippines and reported them to authorities.

The Investigation

Philippine authorities have launched an inquiry through their Anti-Trafficking and Anti-OSAEC task force. Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla stated that police secured Markle’s computer for digital forensic examination. The FBI is also aware of the allegations and has offered support to Philippine officials regarding potential federal violations. Thomas Markle Sr., who is currently recovering in a Florida rehabilitation centre after a leg amputation, has vehemently denied the claims, calling them “sick lies” and “bullshit.”

The Met’s Role

The Met Police acknowledged receiving the 2019 letter via its Protection Command. However, they admitted the information was passed only to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s office for awareness, rather than to other agencies. The Met is now reviewing its handling of the matter and considering a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Meghan’s Response

Meghan Markle expressed being “deeply distressed” by the news. In a statement, she revealed she had been informed of “troubling and disturbing allegations” against her father in 2018 and was given assurances they were being investigated. She emphasized that her estrangement from Markle Sr. and refusal to allow him contact with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was solely to protect them.

• The Met failed to forward 2019 allegations to other agencies Source: BBC
• Philippine task force is securing evidence from Markle’s Cebu home Source: SCMP
• Markle Sr. denies accusations from a Florida rehab centre Source: Guardian
• Meghan cites past assurances as reason for keeping distance from father Source: CNN