The Metropolitan Police have launched an internal inquiry after Thomas Markle Snr, Meghan Markle's father, was accused of possessing a collection of child sex images. The 82-year-old is alleged to have kept the images at his home in the Philippines and was reportedly reported to police by his own son.
Thomas Markle Jr claimed he found four large boxes full of alleged child sex abuse images at his home on the island of Cebu. The boxes are said to have contained "hundreds, if not thousands" of images.
Letter Shared with Meghan Markle
This morning, Meghan Markle said a letter detailing "troubling and disturbing" allegations about her estranged father was shared with her in 2018. She explained that a letter containing allegations against Thomas Markle was sent to the Metropolitan Police that year and subsequently shared with her.
It is understood that she received the letter in the summer of 2018, after her wedding to Prince Harry. The Duchess of Sussex is completely estranged from her father, and they have not spoken directly since 2018.
Met Police Internal Inquiry
It is understood the Metropolitan Police has not and is not currently investigating Thomas Markle Snr. Officers are now carrying out an internal inquiry to confirm that the royal protection unit passed on the 2018 letter to the Duchess of Sussex.
Denials and Family Split
Thomas Markle Jr said: "When I found this material I was horrified and I had no option but to report my dad. I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years — but that stops now. I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him."
Thomas Markle Snr has since categorically denied the allegations, calling them "sick lies". He said: "I'm shocked, I'm hurt and I'm very upset that my son is making these accusations against me. I could never do what I'm being accused of. It's the worst thing anyone could accuse me of. This is bull****. It's just a bunch of lies. It's sick. I have no idea why Tom is trying to destroy me with these lies."
