Met refers itself to watchdog over Thomas Markle letter as Philippine probe advances

The PNP recovered suspected child sexual abuse and exploitation materials, including electronic devices, from Thomas Markle Sr.'s former residence after his son reported the findings to authorities. (Courtesy: PNP Women and Children Protection Center)

LONDON — Britain's Metropolitan Police has referred itself to the police watchdog over its handling of a 2019 letter containing allegations of criminal activity involving Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, after failing to share the information with other law enforcement agencies.

The Metropolitan Police (Met) said on Thursday, October 29, that an internal review prompted a voluntary referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over its decision not to inform other law enforcement agencies about the allegations and to instead pass the letter to the office of Prince Harry and Meghan.

The development comes as Philippine authorities continue investigating allegations that suspected child sexual abuse material was found among Mr Markle's belongings at his former residence in Cebu.

The Met confirmed last week that it received the letter in January 2019. It had been addressed to its Protection Command, with the author suggesting concerns about the Duchess of Sussex's security.

However, the force said the letter contained no specific information relating to her security but included several claims about alleged criminal activity outside the United Kingdom.

Commander Adam Slonecki, head of the Met's Protection Command, said the letter was assessed and subsequently forwarded to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's office for their awareness.

The allegations, however, were not shared with other law enforcement agencies at the time.

Following its internal review, the Met said it was now making referrals to relevant overseas authorities concerning the allegations contained in the letter.

Slonecki said the process was under way and expected to be completed in the coming days.

The IOPC has received the Met's voluntary referral and is assessing it to determine what further action may be necessary.

Meanwhile, Philippine authorities have secured a court warrant allowing investigators to examine electronic devices and other materials recovered from Mr Markle's former residence in Cebu.

The investigation began after his son, Thomas Markle Jr., reportedly discovered suspected child sexual abuse images among his father's belongings and turned over several boxes of materials to Philippine authorities.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier confirmed that police had found suspected child sexual abuse materials and a laptop at the former residence.

The laptop and other electronic devices are now subject to forensic examination to establish the nature and origin of the materials and determine whether any laws were violated.

The Philippine National Police has also indicated that it is coordinating with foreign law enforcement agencies as part of the investigation.

Meghan previously said she was "deeply distressed" by the allegations involving her estranged father, adding that her thoughts were with any children who may have been harmed.

In a statement, the Duchess said she had seen a letter sent to British police containing what she described as "troubling and disturbing allegations" against her father and had been assured that the matter was being investigated.

She also explained that her decision to remain estranged from her father and prevent him from having contact with her children was intended to protect them.

Meghan initially recalled that the letter had been sent in 2018. However, a spokesperson for the Sussexes later acknowledged that she might have been mistaken by several months, accepting the Met's records indicating that it was received in January 2019.

Mr Markle has denied the allegations, describing them as "sick lies" in an interview with the Daily Mail.

In the United States, an FBI spokesperson said the agency was aware of the allegations and would provide support, as appropriate, to Philippine authorities.

The investigations in the Philippines and the UK police watchdog's assessment are separate processes. The allegations against Mr Markle have yet to be established, while the IOPC referral concerns the Met's handling of the original letter.