Met Police Confirm 2019 Date for Meghan Markle’s Father Abuse Letter, Contradicting Her 2018 Claim

Key points

• Metropolitan Police confirmed receipt of a letter with child abuse allegations against Thomas Markle Sr. in January 2019, contradicting Meghan Markle’s claim that she learned of it in 2018.
• Police stated the allegations were not shared with other law enforcement agencies and are reviewing whether to refer the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
• Meghan Markle’s representative acknowledged the date discrepancy, stating it was understandable given the passage of time and lack of diary entries.
• Thomas Markle Jr. recently accused his father of possessing child sexual abuse images at their former home in the Philippines, which he reported to authorities.
• Thomas Markle Sr. has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them 'sick lies' and 'bulls—t.'
• Meghan Markle stated her estrangement from her father was to protect her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and that she was assured the 2018/2019 allegations were being investigated.

Background

This development follows Meghan Markle’s October 23, 2026 statement confirming she was aware of 'troubling allegations' against her father years earlier. The controversy intensified after Thomas Markle Jr. reported finding child abuse imagery at his father’s former home in Cebu, Philippines, prompting investigations by Philippine and US authorities. Meghan and Prince Harry recently moved back to Britain with their children.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six and The New York Times report the core facts of the police confirmation and Meghan’s statement. The New York Times emphasizes Meghan’s 'distress' and her explanation for blocking her children’s contact with her father. Yahoo, citing journalist Rob Shuter, criticizes Meghan for protecting her own children but not warning other families, a claim Meghan’s representative disputes by noting she was advised against public disclosure to protect investigations. The Sun, cited by Page Six, notes the police never investigated Thomas Markle Sr. in the UK, contrary to Meghan’s earlier claims. Thomas Markle Sr. denies all allegations, while his half-sister Samantha Markle suggests her brother is fabricating claims for monetary gain.

Why it matters

The discrepancy between Meghan’s recollection and police records raises questions about the handling of serious allegations against a royal family member. It also highlights the complex dynamics within the Markle family and the Sussexes' relationship with the royal family, particularly regarding the protection of their children and the management of sensitive information.

What to watch

The Metropolitan Police are reviewing how the 2019 letter was handled and may refer the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Philippine and US authorities continue to investigate the claims regarding child abuse imagery found in the Philippines. Thomas Markle Sr. has denied the allegations, and the legal and public discourse is likely to continue as more details emerge.