Top things to know
- London's Metropolitan Police confirmed receiving a letter in January 2019 containing allegations against Thomas Markle, which was referred to Protection Command but not shared with external agencies.
- The Metropolitan Police are conducting an internal review of how the 2019 letter was handled, including whether to involve the police watchdog.
- Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, stated she was informed of disturbing allegations in 2018, influencing her decision to keep her children away from her father to protect them.
- Thomas Markle denied allegations involving child sexual abuse material, calling them "sick lies," while authorities in the Philippines and the FBI review the matter.
London’s Metropolitan Police have confirmed receiving a letter in January 2019 containing claims concerning Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. The disclosure has prompted an internal review by police into how the correspondence was handled, including whether the matter should be referred to the police watchdog. The development follows public statements by the Duchess of Sussex, who revealed that troubling allegations regarding her estranged father were first brought to her attention in 2018, leading to her decision to protect her children by restricting contact with him.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed that the January 2019 letter contained a number of claims about alleged offending outside the United Kingdom. Upon receipt, the document was referred to the force's Protection Command to raise concerns in relation to the security of the Duchess of Sussex, and was also shared with the office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. However, police confirmed that the letter was not shared with other law enforcement agencies. A spokesperson for the force stated that enquiries are underway internally to review the handling of the matter, including whether to involve the police watchdog.
In a statement addressing the matter, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, expressed deep distress over the allegations, stating, "I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed." She revealed that in 2018, a letter sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection was shared with her, making "troubling and disturbing allegations" against her father, along with assurances that they were being investigated. Referring to her decision to keep her children away from her father, Meghan stated, "I hope it can now be understood, that, despite certain media publications' distortion over the years, any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children, was for one reason: to protect them." She added that her sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served and that priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children.
Thomas Markle, 82, denied possessing any illicit images, calling the allegations "sick lies." Responding to accusations made by his son, Thomas Markle Jr., the elder Markle stated, "I'm shocked, I'm hurt and I'm very upset that my son is making these accusations against me. I could never do what I'm being accused of. It's the worst thing anyone could accuse me of." Thomas Markle Jr., 60, reported finding material in storage boxes while clearing out his father's former home in Cebu, Philippines, and subsequently contacted police in the Philippines and law enforcement authorities in the United States.
Authorities in multiple jurisdictions are looking into the matter. In the Philippines, Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty confirmed that the Anti-Trafficking and Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children task force in Cebu is investigating. In the United States, a spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Investigation stated that the agency is aware of the allegations and would provide support, as appropriate, to Philippine authorities. Thomas Markle Sr. had been living in the Philippines until earlier this year, when health complications involving a stroke and leg amputation required him to return to the United States.
The police review coincides with broader developments surrounding the royal family. Prince Harry and Meghan married in May 2018 at Windsor Castle, an event Thomas Markle did not attend. The couple stepped back from official royal duties in 2020 and moved abroad, before returning to live in the United Kingdom with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, in August. The Metropolitan Police review remains focused on examining internal handling of the 2019 correspondence and determining whether further administrative or regulatory steps are required.