BBC understands letter making claims about Meghan’s father was written by his ex-wife
Letter and police response
The Metropolitan Police confirmed it received a letter concerning Thomas Markle in 2019 and shared it with the Sussexes at the time. The BBC understands Roslyn Loveless, Markle’s former wife, wrote it.
The force said it did not send the letter’s contents to other law enforcement agencies. It is now reviewing how it handled the matter.
Meghan speaks about allegations
Meghan said on Friday that she had previously been told about disturbing allegations concerning her estranged father. She wrote, “I am deeply distressed,” and said her thoughts were with children who may have been harmed.
Meghan said she hoped the allegations would help explain why she had largely ended contact with her father and did not allow him to see her children. She has been estranged from him since 2018.
Claims under investigation
Meghan’s half-brother told the Sun he had found images at his father’s former home in the Philippines. He reportedly told police the items included videos and pictures of child abuse, and later apologised to Meghan for previously siding with their father.
The FBI said it was aware of the allegations, and Philippine officials confirmed an investigation by the country’s anti-human trafficking and child sexual exploitation task force. Markle denies possessing child abuse images and denies having sex with underage girls.
Markle’s circumstances
Markle acknowledged paying for sex during past visits to the Philippines in an interview with the Mail on Sunday. He denied the allegations involving underage girls and abuse images.
Markle moved to the Philippines last year after a series of strokes. He is reportedly now at a rehabilitation centre in Florida, learning to walk after having his leg amputated.
Key points
- The BBC understands Roslyn Loveless wrote the 2019 letter received by the Metropolitan Police.
- The Met shared the letter with the Sussexes but says it did not pass its contents to other law enforcement agencies.
- Meghan said she had been informed of disturbing allegations and expressed concern for children who may have been harmed.
- Markle denies the allegations, while authorities in the Philippines investigate.