Met Police acknowledges receipt of 2019 letter alleging child abuse images linked to Meghan Markle's father

London's Metropolitan Police confirmed it received a letter in January 2019 that contained multiple claims of alleged offending outside the United Kingdom, including accusations that Thomas Markle possessed images of child sexual abuse. The correspondence was sent to the force's protection command because of concerns for the security of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The Met passed the letter to the Sussex office for their awareness but did not forward it to other law-enforcement agencies. The police said it is reviewing its procedures and may refer the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, said she is "deeply distressed" by the revelations and noted she first learned of the claims from the Met in 2018. > "I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed," her statement read. She added that her decision to limit contact with her father was intended to protect her children.

Thomas Markle denied the allegations, describing them as "sick lies" and "the worst thing anyone could accuse me of." Philippine authorities are also investigating, with Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla saying the national police have secured Markle's computer for forensic analysis. The allegations were first reported by Mail Online, citing a claim made by Markle's son, Thomas Markle Jr.