Duchess Meghan says concern for children shaped distance from father
Meghan describes earlier concerns
In a statement sent to CBS News on Friday, Meghan referred to a letter sent in 2018 to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection. She said the letter was later shared with her and contained troubling allegations about her father.
Meghan said she was assured the claims were being investigated. She said she was deeply distressed by reports of the current investigation in the Philippines.
She cites her children’s safety
Meghan said she had distanced herself from her father to protect her children. She also said she chose not to let him have contact with them for that reason. She said media coverage over the years had distorted the explanation for the distance between them.
Philippine authorities investigate
Philippine state media confirmed on Friday, in a Facebook post, that an investigation was underway. A Filipino justice official said the department’s anti-trafficking task force was investigating and confirmed Thomas Markle Sr. was the subject, according to a PNA report.
Key points
- Meghan said a 2018 letter raised troubling allegations about her father and that she was assured they were being investigated.
- She said keeping her father from contacting her children was intended to protect them.
- Philippine state media and a justice official confirmed an investigation was underway.
- Thomas Markle denied the allegations in comments reported by the Daily Mail.