Met Police confirm 2019 letter on Meghan's father

Hundreds, if not thousands, of images allegedly found in the Philippines have triggered a fresh look at a 2019 letter held by the Metropolitan Police. The force has now confirmed it passed this document to the office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The letter contained claims of alleged offending by Meghan's father, Thomas Markle Sr. The revelation comes after reports surfaced this week that Markle Jr, the Duchess's half-brother, discovered the images at their father's former home in Cebu.

Scotland Yard stated that it received the letter in January 2019. The document raised concerns about offending outside of Britain. A spokesperson for the Met explained that the letter was sent to the Protection Command. This unit handles the security of the Duchess. After review, the force decided to share the information with the couple's office for their awareness. The Met clarified that the letter was not sent to other law enforcement agencies at the time.

Markle Jr, who is 60 years old, told detectives in the Philippines that he found the images on computers and mobile phones. These items were stored in four large boxes at the house in Cebu. Markle Sr lived in that location until he returned to the United States in May after suffering a stroke. The half-brother said he has also contacted the FBI regarding the discovery.

Thomas Markle Sr has denied the claims. In an interview with the Daily Mail, he described the accusations as sick lies. The Metropolitan Police have launched a thorough review of its systems and records. The force is currently considering whether to refer the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. This body investigates police conduct and ensures accountability in public service.

The Duchess of Sussex released a statement through a spokesperson on Friday. She said she was deeply distressed by the news. Her thoughts were with any children who may have been harmed. She confirmed that a letter with troubling and disturbing allegations had been shared with her. She also noted that she was given assurances the claims were being investigated. Meghan stated that her decision to limit contact between her father and her children was made to protect them.

The Duchess is estranged from her father. He has never met her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The royal couple recently moved back to the United Kingdom from the United States. In her initial statement, Meghan referred to the letter as being from 2018. She later corrected this, confirming it was from 2019. A spokesperson explained that it is understandable for someone to be mistaken by a few months when recalling events from more than seven years ago without a diary entry. The Met's time-stamped record is considered the accurate reference point.

Sources indicated that Meghan could not speak publicly about the allegations in 2019. This was to avoid jeopardizing any future investigation. Speaking out earlier could also have led to legal action against her. The family and legal teams are now monitoring the developments closely as the review continues.