Meghan Markle details 2018 letter to police as Philippines probes her father

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, stated on Friday that she was aware of allegations concerning her father, Thomas Markle, as far back as 2018. In a written response to CBS News, she described herself as deeply distressed by reports that Philippine authorities are investigating Markle over alleged possession of child sexual abuse materials. The duchess confirmed that the specific claims were passed to U.K. police at that time.

She explained that a letter detailing the allegations was sent in 2018 to the Metropolitan Police and the Royalty and Specialist Protection command. Meghan said this document was subsequently shared with her. She noted that she was given assurances at the time that the matter was under investigation, although the Metropolitan Police has not conducted a formal inquiry into Markle and is not currently doing so.

A spokesperson for the Met told CBS News that the force is aware of media reports suggesting officers from the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command helped pass on the 2018 letter. The department is undertaking internal enquiries to confirm the details of that handoff.

The current legal action stems from reports that Thomas Markle Jr., the son of the 80-year-old subject of the investigation, alerted authorities to the materials. The Sun reported on Thursday that the younger Markle discovered the items in storage boxes at the family home in the Philippines. He allegedly found the materials after turning on an old cell phone while his father was in the United States receiving treatment for a stroke and blood clot.

According to the Daily Mail, Thomas Markle Jr. reported the discovery to an FBI hotline, the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children, and state police in Pennsylvania in July. The senior Markle denied the accusations in the same report, calling them sick lies and stating he had never downloaded such files.

Philippine state media confirmed on Friday that the Department of Justice is actively investigating the case. The state-run Philippine News Agency noted in a Facebook post that the anti-trafficking task force is handling the matter involving an American national in Cebu province. A Filipino justice official confirmed that Thomas Markle Sr. is the subject of the inquiry.

In her statement, Meghan addressed the estrangement between herself and her father, stating that she distanced him from her children to protect them. She said her sincere hope is that justice is fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children.