London’s Metropolitan Police has confirmed it received a letter in January 2019 concerning Meghan Markle’s father. None of its allegations reportedly reached any other police force or agency. Instead, the force sent it on to the Sussexes’ office, and the agency is reportedly now deciding whether that was prudent.
The Met described the letter as laying out claims about possible crimes committed by Thomas Markle, 82, abroad. It was sent over concerns for the Duchess’s safety, according to ITV News. Scotland Yard released these details on Oct. 24, 2026, the day after Meghan confirmed that she saw the letter in 2018. She promised its allegations were being looked into. The Met is now looking back at how it dealt with the letter at the time and, in the words of the spokesperson, “considering whether a referral to the IOPC is necessary to review our approach.”
The Sun published claims from his son, Thomas Markle Jr., that his father’s boxes in Cebu held child sexual abuse material. No charges have been reported, and Thomas Markle rejects the accusations. He is not, as yet, the subject of any British police inquiry.
Why are Philippine’s authorities involved in the case?
The Philippine side of the story started with Markle Jr. speaking to The Sun. He said boxes left at the Cebu house where Markle used to live held “hundreds, if not thousands” of images. He says he first alerted American agencies in July and Reuters reports that the anti-OSAEC (online sexual abuse and exploitation of children) task force in Cebu is looking into the case.
According to the BBC, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said police have taken custody of Markle’s computer for a full forensic review. Results are expected in about a week. Thomas Markle had made Cebu his home in 2025 following a string of strokes. He flew back to the U.S. in May 2026 for treatment. The FBI said the bureau is “aware of the allegations” and will back Philippine authorities “as appropriate.”
Meghan’s relationship with her father soured ahead of her May 2018 wedding to Prince Harry. Meghan’s October 23 statement gave 2018, and not 2019, as the year she received the letter, which, in her own words, “made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father.” She also said she didn’t allow him to have any contact with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. A spokesperson for Meghan later clarified that the gap was insignificant, per CBS News, and that she simply miscalculated by a few months.
Published: Oct 26, 2026 05:00 am