The Metropolitan Police has launched an internal inquiry following reports that a letter containing allegations about Thomas Markle, the father of the Duchess of Sussex, was passed to Meghan in 2018. The force confirmed it is undertaking inquiries to confirm whether officers from its Royalty and Specialist Protection Command were involved in the dissemination of such a letter.

This development follows media reports that disturbing allegations, including those of child sexual abuse, were made against Mr. Markle, 82, who is currently based in the US and denies all accusations. The source of these allegations stems from claims made by Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., who reportedly found images at his father's former home in the Philippines.

In a statement released previously, Meghan stated she was informed of "disturbing allegations" about her father in 2018 and was given assurances that these were being investigated at the time. The specific content and handling of the letter are now the focus of the Met's internal review.

The Metropolitan Police's investigation is focused on confirming the procedural aspects of how the letter, if it existed and was handled by the force, reached the Duchess. It is not an investigation into Mr. Markle himself, who is not subject to UK police inquiry.

Meanwhile, authorities in the Philippines are actively investigating the allegations of child sexual abuse. The Department of Justice confirmed an anti-human trafficking and child sexual exploitation task force is examining the matter in Cebu. National police have reportedly secured Mr. Markle's computer for a comprehensive digital forensic examination, with results expected within a week.

Thomas Markle, who moved to the Philippines in 2025 before reportedly relocating to a rehabilitation center in Florida, has denied the allegations made against him. His son claims to have discovered the images at his father's Philippines residence and subsequently reported them to local law enforcement.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation has stated it is aware of the allegations and will provide support to Philippine authorities as appropriate. The FBI also indicated it would investigate any related violations of US federal law.

This internal review by the Metropolitan Police adds another layer to the long-standing public interest in the relationship between Meghan and her father, Thomas Markle, and the circumstances surrounding the dissemination of sensitive information.