Metropolitan Police say they received 2019 letter alleging misconduct by Meghan Markle's father but did not share it with other agencies
London police confirmed they got a 2019 letter alleging illegal material at Thomas Markle's home, forwarded it only to the Sussex couple's office and have not disclosed it to other forces.
London's Metropolitan Police said a review of its records confirmed the force received a letter in January 2019 that contained "a number of claims about alleged offending outside the United Kingdom." The correspondence was sent to the police protection unit to raise concerns about the security of the Duchess of Sussex, the statement said.
The police reviewed the letter and decided to pass it to the office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for their awareness, but the details were not shared with other law-enforcement agencies. The force said it is reviewing the incident and considering whether to refer the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, said she was "deeply distressed" by the allegations and that she had previously been informed by police of "disturbing allegations" against her father in 2018. She added that the letter "made troubling and disturbing allegations" and that she kept her children away from their grandfather "for one reason: to protect them."
Thomas Markle, 82, denied the accusations, calling them "sick lies" and "the worst thing anyone could accuse me of" in a statement to a British newspaper. His daughter Samantha Markle also rejected the claims, saying they had "no merit" and accusing her brother of trying to damage their father.
Philippine authorities confirmed they are investigating Thomas Markle over reports that child sexual-abuse images were found at his home, while the FBI said it is aware of the allegations and will support the Philippine investigation as appropriate. The Philippine justice department said the matter is under investigation but offered no further details.