Met Police Review Handling Of Allegations Against Meghan’s Father

The Metropolitan Police is reviewing how it handled a letter containing allegations of criminal activity involving Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

Scotland Yard confirmed that it received the letter in January 2019, following reports that images of child sexual abuse had allegedly been found at Markle’s former home in the Philippines. Markle, 82, denies possessing such material.

According to the Met, the letter raised claims about alleged offences outside the UK and was referred to its Protection Command because of concerns about Meghan’s security. The information was subsequently passed to the offices of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex but was not shared with other law enforcement agencies.

The force said it was examining its handling of the matter and considering whether to refer itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The development follows Meghan’s statement that she was informed of disturbing allegations against her father in 2018 and had been assured that they were being investigated.

A spokesperson for the duchess said the difference between the dates cited in her statement and the police account was an understandable consequence of the time that had passed.

Meghan also said the circumstances helped explain her decision to remain estranged from her father and prevent him from having contact with her children.

Philippine authorities have confirmed that they are investigating the allegations. The BBC was told that an anti-human trafficking and child sexual exploitation task force was handling the matter.