Met Police says letter with claims about Meghan’s father not shared with other law enforcement
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Met Police Says Letter Was Not Shared With Other Forces
Ninoda.com – The Met Police says letter containing allegations connected to Thomas Markle was received in January 2019 but was not shared with other law-enforcement agencies. The Metropolitan Police said the correspondence related to alleged offences outside the UK and was instead passed to the office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Scotland Yard is reviewing how the information was handled and is considering whether to refer the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the police watchdog for England and Wales.
“Following a thorough review of Met Police systems and records, we have confirmed that in January 2019, we received a letter containing a number of claims about alleged offending outside the United Kingdom.”
Why the letter was sent to the Met
Police said the letter reached the Met’s Protection Command because it included concerns linked to Meghan’s security. Officers decided that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s office should be informed, but the allegations were not circulated to authorities in other countries.
The Met Police says letter review will examine the force’s approach in 2019. It has not said whether a referral to the IOPC will be made.
“The MPS is reviewing the handling of this matter in 2019 and considering whether a referral to the IOPC is necessary to review our approach.”
Meghan’s response and family background
Meghan said she first became aware in 2018 of disturbing allegations concerning her estranged father. After the police confirmed it had received the letter in 2019, a spokesperson for the duchess said that a difference of several months was understandable given the passage of time.
In a statement issued on Friday, Meghan said she had been assured the concerns were being investigated. She also referred to her long separation from her father and said she hoped people would understand why he has not had contact with her children.
Thomas Markle did not attend Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, citing ill health, and their relationship later became estranged. Meghan is his only child with Doria Ragland.
Separate investigation in the Philippines
The allegations became more widely known after claims that child sexual abuse images linked to Thomas Markle had been found at his former home in the Philippines. He is alleged to have possessed the material, an accusation he denies.
Thomas Markle Jnr, Meghan’s half-brother, said he found material among his father’s belongings at the former property. He is reported to have told police that it included videos and photographs depicting child abuse, and is understood to have contacted the FBI in July.
Authorities in the Philippines have confirmed that the allegations are under investigation. A task force focused on human trafficking and child sexual exploitation is examining the case, while Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla said national police had secured Thomas Markle’s computer for a digital forensic examination.
An investigation does not establish criminal responsibility. Authorities must assess the available evidence before reaching any conclusion.
FAQ: What does the Met Police review involve?
What did the Met Police say about the letter? The Met Police says letter was received in January 2019, reviewed by its Protection Command and shared with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s office, but not with other law-enforcement agencies.
Is the Met investigating the allegations against Thomas Markle? The Met’s review concerns its handling of the 2019 correspondence. The separate allegations are being investigated by authorities in the Philippines.
What could happen next? The force may decide whether a referral to the IOPC is needed. That decision would relate to the police response to the letter, not the outcome of the Philippines investigation.
