Metropolitan Police Criticized for Not Alerting FBI on Thomas Markle Allegations
Scotland Yard may refer itself to a watchdog over its handling of child-sex abuse claims made against the Duchess of Sussex's father.
The Metropolitan Police is facing criticism for failing to alert the FBI or any other law enforcement agency after receiving a letter containing "troubling and disturbing" allegations against Thomas Markle, the father of the Duchess of Sussex, seven years ago. The police force stated it may refer itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding its handling of the matter.
In January 2019, the Met received a letter detailing "alleged offending outside the United Kingdom" but did not pass this information to overseas law enforcement. A spokesman for the Met confirmed that the letter was sent to the Protection Command, which includes officers safeguarding the Royal Family, due to concerns about the Duchess's security arrangements. The decision was made to forward the letter to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for their awareness, but the specifics of the allegations were not shared with other agencies.
Thomas Markle, 82, has suggested that his son, Thomas Markle Jr. (Meghan's half-brother), may have authored the letter as part of a personal vendetta. "I don't know why but he was always angry at me because I told him how disappointed I've been with him," the elder Markle stated. He added that his son might be "jealous" of his former successful Hollywood career and suggested his son was motivated by financial gain.
The Duchess of Sussex had previously stated that she received assurances the allegations against her father were being investigated, citing this as a reason for cutting off contact. The Met's clarification that they did not share the details with other law enforcement agencies raises questions about who provided these assurances.
Dai Davies, former head of the Met Police's royal protection group, described the force's response as "disgraceful" and questioned why, given Meghan's royal connection, the allegations were not treated with higher priority or shared with the FBI. He argued that a thorough investigation should have been conducted.
The Metropolitan Police is currently reviewing its actions from 2019 and considering whether a referral to the IOPC is necessary.
Meanwhile, Thomas Markle is reportedly being investigated by a child-sex abuse task force in Cebu, Philippines, with the FBI expected to join the probe as he now resides in Florida. The allegations stem from "hundreds" of alleged child-sex images discovered in boxes at his home by his son, Thomas Markle Jr. These alleged materials include film negatives depicting what appears to be an Asian girl with a man believed to be Markle. Mr. Markle has denied these accusations, calling them "sick lies."