Letter from Thomas Markle Sr.'s first wife reaches Meghan Markle amid child abuse allegations

A letter written in 2019 by Roslyn Loveless, the first wife of Thomas Markle Sr., was sent to London’s Metropolitan Police and later forwarded to Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. The correspondence, which detailed allegations of child abuse against Markle Sr., was described by the Duchess as “deeply distressing.”

Meghan has said she was assured the claims were being investigated and expressed concern for any children who might have been harmed. A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex noted that recalling the exact date of the letter’s receipt is difficult after several years.

Thomas Markle Sr., 82, has denied the allegations, calling them false. His son, Thomas Markle Jr., has turned over a large amount of material to police, stating that the evidence will clarify the situation once examined. The investigation follows reports that child-pornography material was found at Markle Sr.'s former residence in the Philippines.

Meghan’s half-sister, Samantha Markle, and other family members have defended their father, accusing Thomas Jr. of fabricating the claims for financial gain. Loveless, who died in 2024, had previously described Markle Sr. as an “awful father” and alleged abusive behavior during their marriage, though she said he was never physically violent.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed a record of the letter being sent to Meghan in January 2019, correcting earlier statements that it had been received in 2018. Sources indicated that Meghan was advised not to discuss the matter publicly to avoid affecting any legal proceedings.