Sussex Statement: Duchess details 2018 police warning on father

Meghan Markle released a statement confirming that the Metropolitan Police shared a 2018 letter with her detailing disturbing allegations against her father, Thomas Markle Sr. The duchess described herself as deeply distressed by claims that her estranged father possessed child sexual abuse images. Her spokesperson issued the statement after The Sun reported that her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr, told detectives he found a large collection of such images in the Philippines.

According to the statement, the letter originated from the Metropolitan Police’s Royalty and Specialist Protection unit, known as Rasp. Meghan said the document contained troubling allegations against her father and that authorities assured her they were investigating the matter. She stated that her decision to limit contact between her father and her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was made to protect them. She expressed hope that justice will be fully served and that children’s safety remains the primary focus.

Sources indicated that Meghan did not speak publicly about the letter in 2018 because doing so might have jeopardized a future investigation or exposed her to legal action. The Rasp unit reportedly passed the letter to her shortly after her wedding to Prince Harry. The Metropolitan Police confirmed it is making internal inquiries to verify if Rasp officers were involved in sharing the document. The force stated it has not previously investigated Markle Sr and is not currently doing so.

Thomas Markle Jr, 60, told Philippine detectives that he found hundreds, if not thousands, of images on computers and mobile phones stored in four large boxes at his father’s former home in Cebu. Markle Sr lived in that residence until returning to the United States in May following a stroke. Markle Jr also contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which said it would support Philippine authorities and investigate any related federal violations of US law.

Philippine officials confirmed the case is under active investigation. Nicholas Ty, an undersecretary at the justice department, stated that a human trafficking and child sexual exploitation taskforce in Cebu is handling the matter. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said national police secured Markle Sr’s computer for a full digital forensic examination. He expected the forensic results to be available within one week.

Speaking from a rehabilitation center in Florida, Markle Sr denied the allegations. He said he was shocked and hurt by the claims, noting that he is learning to walk with a prosthetic limb after his left leg was amputated due to a blood clot. He told the Daily Mail that he could never do what he is being accused of. He stated the computers were not in his possession since he left Rosarito, Mexico, in January 2025 to move to the Philippines for a fresh start.

Meghan’s half-sister, Samantha Markle, defended their father and accused Markle Jr of making up lies for financial gain. She alleged the claims surfaced days after Markle Sr cut off his funds. Samantha Markle also noted that the computers had been out of their father’s possession for two years, which she said leaves room for tampering. Markle Sr has remained estranged from Meghan since missing her wedding on health grounds. He has never met his grandchildren, who are now seven and five years old.