Met Police Shared 2018 Letter Alerting Meghan Markle to Father's Abuse Allegations

The Metropolitan Police in London informed Meghan Markle of disturbing allegations against her estranged father in 2018, according to a statement released on October 23. The duchess, speaking through a spokesperson, described herself as deeply distressed by reports that Thomas Markle Sr possessed child sexual abuse images. This revelation comes as the Sun newspaper reports that her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr, claimed to have found a significant number of such images at their father's former residence in the Philippines.

The core of the new information involves a letter sent to the Metropolitan Police and its Royalty and Specialist Protection unit, commonly known as Rasp, in 2018. Meghan's statement indicates that this letter was later shared with her personally. It contained troubling claims about her father, and she was assured at the time that an investigation was underway. She noted that her decision to maintain distance from her father and restrict his contact with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was driven by a singular purpose: the protection of the minors. She expressed hope that justice would be fully served and that the safety of children would remain the primary focus.

Sources close to the duchess explained why she did not address the matter publicly in 2018. Speaking out at that time was considered potentially risky, as it could have jeopardized any future legal proceedings or exposed her to litigation. The Rasp unit reportedly passed the letter to Meghan shortly after her wedding. It is understood that the Metropolitan Police had not previously conducted a formal investigation into Markle Sr and is not doing so currently. However, the force has launched internal inquiries to determine whether Rasp officers were indeed involved in transmitting the letter to the duchess.

The current controversy began with allegations made by Thomas Markle Jr, who is 60 years old. He told detectives in the Philippines that he discovered hundreds, if not thousands, of child sexual abuse images stored on computers and mobile phones. These devices were kept in four large boxes at a home in Cebu, where Markle Sr lived until returning to the United States in May following a stroke. Markle Jr also contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI stated it would support Philippine authorities as appropriate and investigate any related allegations of federal violations of US law.

Philippine officials have confirmed that the matter is under active investigation. Nicholas Ty, an undersecretary at the justice department, told the BBC that a taskforce dedicated to human trafficking and child sexual exploitation in Cebu is handling the case. Jonvic Remulla, the interior secretary, noted that national police have secured Markle Sr's computer for a comprehensive digital forensic examination. He estimated that the forensic results would be available within one week.

Markle Sr, who is currently in a rehabilitation centre in Florida, reacted to the news with shock and hurt. He is learning to walk with a prosthetic limb after his left leg was amputated due to a blood clot. Speaking to the Daily Mail, he called the accusations sick lies and stated that he could never have done what he is now accused of. He explained that the computers had not been in his possession since he left Rosarito, Mexico, with his son in January 2025. He moved to the Philippines at that time seeking a fresh start.

The situation has also strained family ties further. Markle Sr has been estranged from the duchess since he missed her wedding to Prince Harry on health grounds. He has never met his two grandchildren. His other daughter, Samantha Markle, defended their father and accused Markle Jr of fabricating lies for financial gain. She alleged that the claims emerged days after their father cut off her funds. She also highlighted that the computers were out of their father's possession for two years, suggesting this gap left significant room for tampering.

The intersection of UK police history and current Philippine legal proceedings creates a complex backdrop for the Markle family. While the Metropolitan Police is reviewing its internal procedures, the immediate legal focus remains in Cebu. The outcome of the digital forensic examination will likely determine the next steps in the investigation. For now, the duchess has placed trust in the authorities to prioritize the well-being of children, a stance that underscores the personal and public stakes involved in this unfolding story.