Met Police confirms it received 2019 letter with "number of claims" about Meghan's father
Key Points:
- In 2019, the Metropolitan Police received a letter containing multiple claims about alleged offending by the Duchess of Sussex's father, Thomas Markle, related to incidents outside the UK; the information was passed to the Duke and Duchess's office but not shared with other law enforcement agencies.
- Reports emerged that child sexual abuse images allegedly linked to Thomas Markle were found in his former home in the Philippines, which Markle denies possessing; Meghan Markle stated she was informed of these "disturbing allegations" in 2018 and was assured they were being investigated.
- The Metropolitan Police are reviewing their handling of the 2019 letter and considering whether to refer the matter to the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
- Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jnr, reportedly discovered child abuse material at their father's former residence and contacted the FBI in July; Thomas Markle has since moved to a rehabilitation center in Florida following health issues.
- Meghan has explained her distance from her father and her decision to prevent him from contacting her children, citing the serious nature of the allegations.