London’s Metropolitan Police announced on Saturday that a letter received in January 2019 contained accusations that Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, had kept child sexual‑abuse images at his residence. The police said the letter was sent to the MPS Protection Command to raise concerns about the Duchess’s security.
According to the force’s statement, after reviewing the letter the decision was made to forward it only to the office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for their awareness. The details of the allegations were not shared with any other law‑enforcement agencies, and the police are now reviewing whether to refer the matter to the United Kingdom’s Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Meghan’s response and family background
Meghan issued a statement on Friday saying she was “deeply distressed” by the allegations and that she had previously been told of “disturbing allegations” against her father in 2018. She added that she kept her children, Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5), away from their grandfather “for one reason: to protect them.”
The Duchess also noted that the breadth of what has now been uncovered is “more sickening than one could ever imagine.” Her relationship with her father has been limited for years; he did not attend her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, a decision that attracted extensive media scrutiny.
Allegations and denials
The claims were first reported by the British tabloid The Sun, which said Meghan’s half‑brother, Thomas Markle Jr., informed police after discovering “hundreds, if not thousands” of child‑sex‑abuse images in boxes at their father’s home. The Sun published a photo of Markle Jr. signing a sworn statement and quoted him as saying, “I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him.”
Thomas Markle Sr., 82, denied the allegations, calling them “sick lies” in a statement to the Daily Mail and describing them as “the worst thing anyone could accuse me of.” His daughter, Samantha Markle, also dismissed the claims, telling the Daily Mail that there is “no merit in these disgusting allegations whatsoever … He wants to destroy our dad. Shame on him.”
International involvement
Authorities in the Philippines confirmed they are investigating Markle Sr. over the alleged images and said the matter is under investigation, though they declined to provide further details. The FBI issued a statement that it is “aware of the allegations and will provide support, as appropriate, to the Philippine authorities” and will investigate any related federal violations of U.S. law.
Meghan and Prince Harry moved back to the United Kingdom earlier this summer after several years in the United States. Their recent public appearance was a joint visit to charities in central England. King Charles III has made clear that their return does not signal a return to active royal duties, though Harry has said he hopes his disagreements with his family will “work out.”
Next steps
The Metropolitan Police said they are reviewing the incident and will consider whether to refer the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. No information was provided about whether any formal investigation has been launched or any further action taken.
Meghan’s spokesperson acknowledged a possible discrepancy in the date of the letter, noting that the Duchess “may have been mistaken by a few months.” The situation remains under review by both British and international authorities.
Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
