Scotland Yard Confirms Existence of 2018 Letter Accusing Thomas Markle of Child Abuse

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed the existence of a letter sent to Scotland Yard in 2018 that accused Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan Markle, of child sexual abuse. The letter was sent to the Met's Fixated Threat Assessment Centre (FTAC), a unit tasked with assessing potential threats to the Royal Family and other high-profile individuals.

Meghan Markle revealed in a statement that she was made aware of "troubling and disturbing" allegations against her father shortly after her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018 and was assured they were being investigated. However, the Metropolitan Police stated they are unable to confirm if officers ever passed the letter to the Duchess, despite her claims. The force is currently conducting internal inquiries to determine if the letter was indeed shared with her.

The letter reportedly alleges that the 82-year-old Thomas Markle Snr sexually abused a child and also claimed he admitted to traveling to Thailand and the Philippines to abuse children. The Sun newspaper has reportedly seen a copy of the letter, confirming its existence.

Thomas Markle Jr, Meghan's half-brother, has reportedly accused their father of possessing a large stash of child sex abuse images on computers and phones. These materials were allegedly found in storage boxes left behind by Thomas Markle Snr when he moved back to the U.S. from the Philippines earlier this year. A specialist unit in the Philippines is investigating these claims, and the FBI has also been made aware of the allegations. The Department of Justice in the Philippines has confirmed it is investigating reports involving an "American national in his 80s" accused of leaving child abuse videos and photos in his home in Cebu province.

Thomas Markle Snr has vehemently denied these allegations, describing them as "sick lies." He expressed shock and hurt over his son's accusations.

Meghan Markle stated in her release, "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." She reiterated that her estrangement from her father and her decision to prevent him from having contact with her children were solely for their protection. "I trusted that the authorities were doing the same for other families," she added.

According to the Daily Mail, the Metropolitan Police have not previously investigated Thomas Markle Snr and are not currently probing him. The force has also not confirmed whether any information was passed to international law enforcement agencies.

Meghan has been estranged from her father since her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018. He has never met their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.