Why U.K. police received a letter with claims against Meghan’s father
Letter and dates differ
Meghan’s statement on Friday said a letter had been sent in 2018 to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection. She said it was later shared with her, leaving the dates in her account and the police confirmation different.
Meghan explains her decision
Meghan said the letter contained troubling allegations about her father and that she received assurances they were being investigated. She also said she had distanced herself from him to protect her children.
In her Friday statement, Meghan said her choice not to let her father have contact with the children was for their protection. She said media coverage had distorted the reasons for the distance.
Police review and allegations
Scotland Yard said Saturday that the Met Police will review how the matter was handled in 2019. It will then decide whether to refer itself to the police watchdog.
On Friday, reports said Thomas Markle was under investigation by authorities in the Philippines over alleged possession of child sexual abuse materials. The Daily Mail reported that he denied the allegations.
Key points
- The Metropolitan Police confirmed receiving a letter containing claims against Thomas Markle in 2019.
- Meghan’s statement said the letter was sent in 2018, differing from the police account of when it was received.
- Police will review the handling of the matter and decide whether to refer themselves to the watchdog.
- Reports said Markle was under investigation in the Philippines; he denied the allegations.