Met Police Admit 2019 Letter on Markle Allegations Was Not Shared With Other Agencies

Key points

• Metropolitan Police confirmed receiving a letter with claims against Thomas Markle in January 2019, not 2018 as Meghan claimed.
• The Met stated the letter was passed to the Duke and Duchess's office but details were not shared with other law enforcement agencies.
• Meghan said she was 'deeply distressed' by recent reports and confirmed she had been aware of the allegations since 2018.
• Philippine National Police are investigating claims that child sexual abuse material was found at Markle's former home in Cebu.
• Thomas Markle denies the allegations, calling them untrue, while his son Thomas Markle Jr. reported the discovery to police and the FBI.

Background

Meghan and Prince Harry moved back to Britain this year after six years in the US. Their relationship with Thomas Markle has been strained since his absence from their 2018 wedding. Meghan has previously stated she distanced herself from her father to protect her children, Archie and Lilibet. The current developments follow reports that Thomas Markle Jr. found child abuse imagery at their former home in the Philippines.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News and BBC reported that the Met Police confirmed the letter was received in January 2019 and was not shared with other agencies. Meghan's statement claimed she was informed in 2018, leading to a discrepancy acknowledged by her spokesman as an 'understandable consequence of that passage of time.' The New York Times emphasized Meghan's distress and her explanation for cutting ties with her father. KSAT highlighted the involvement of the FBI and Philippine authorities in the investigation. The Sun was the first to report the allegations, stating the letter made direct claims of child sex abuse.

Why it matters

The case highlights failures in information sharing between UK law enforcement agencies regarding serious allegations involving a royal family member. It also raises questions about the handling of sensitive security matters and the potential impact on child safety. The international nature of the investigation, involving Philippine and US authorities, underscores the complexity of cross-border legal issues.

What to watch

The Metropolitan Police is reviewing its handling of the 2019 matter and deciding whether to refer itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Philippine authorities are continuing their investigation into the nature and origin of the materials found at Markle's former home. U.S. authorities have offered assistance if needed. The outcome of these investigations will determine if legal action is taken against Thomas Markle.