Meghan Markle’s 2025 Letter to Father Cites Abuse Claims, Ending Decades of Contact

Key points

• Meghan Markle sent a letter to Thomas Markle Sr. in December 2025, while he was hospitalized in the Philippines after a leg amputation, stating he would never see his grandchildren.
• The letter informed Markle that authorities were aware of allegations regarding child sex abuse material, effectively ending their contact.
• Thomas Markle Jr. claims to have found a collection of child abuse images at his father’s former home in Cebu City, Philippines, and submitted them to police.
• The Metropolitan Police confirmed receiving a 2019 letter from Thomas Sr.’s ex-wife, Roslyn Loveless, detailing abuse claims but did not share it with other agencies.
• Thomas Markle Sr. denies possessing child abuse images but admitted to paying for sex with prostitutes in the Philippines, calling the allegations 'sick lies.'

Background

Meghan Markle and Thomas Markle Sr. have been estranged since 2018, following his absence from her royal wedding. Meghan previously won a privacy case against Associated Newspapers over a 2018 letter she wrote to him. In 2025, Markle moved to the Philippines after suffering strokes and subsequently had his leg amputated due to a blood clot. He is currently in a rehabilitation facility in Florida.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six and The Sun emphasize the finality of the 2025 letter, noting Meghan coordinated with hospital staff to ensure delivery and videotaped his receipt. The BBC highlights the broader context of the Philippine investigation and the Metropolitan Police’s review of the 2019 letter handling. Yahoo News focuses on Thomas Sr.’s admission to paying for sex with adults while denying child abuse, and his daughter Samantha’s defense that the allegations are a 'set-up' motivated by financial disputes. Meghan’s statement, reported by all outlets, frames her estrangement as a protective measure for her children, Archie and Lilibet, rather than a personal rift.

Why it matters

This story resolves years of speculation regarding the cause of Meghan Markle’s estrangement from her father. It reveals that the Duchess was aware of serious abuse allegations for years, justifying her decision to cut off contact. The case also highlights failures in UK law enforcement to share critical information with other agencies, prompting a review by the Metropolitan Police. Additionally, it brings international attention to the investigation of digital evidence in the Philippines, potentially impacting the legal standing of Thomas Markle Sr. and the safety of his grandchildren.

What to watch

The Metropolitan Police is reviewing its handling of the 2019 letter, including whether to refer the matter to the police watchdog. Philippine authorities, specifically the anti-human trafficking task force, are conducting a digital forensic examination of Thomas Markle Sr.’s computer. Thomas Markle Jr. has stated he will continue to provide evidence to police, while Thomas Sr. has offered to speak to investigators. Meghan Markle’s representatives have not yet responded to further requests for comment regarding the specific contents of the 2025 letter.