Met investigates reports of letter detailing claims about Meghan's father

The Metropolitan Police is investigating reports that a letter was sent to one of its specialist units containing disturbing allegations about Meghan, Duchess of Sussex's father.

Meghan said in a statement that she was sent a letter in 2018 containing "disturbing allegations" about Thomas Markle, 82, and that she had trusted the authorities to deal with it. A Met spokesperson said the force was "aware of media reports" that the letter was sent to its Royalty and Specialist Protection unit and was "undertaking inquiries internally in an effort to confirm this."

The Sun, which first carried the claims, reported that the letter made direct allegations against Markle relating to child sexual abuse. Markle, who is based in the US, strenuously denies the allegations. UK police are not investigating him.

The Metropolitan Police's inquiry aims to confirm whether its specialist unit received the letter, rather than to investigate Markle himself.

Meghan said she first learned of the allegations when she received the letter but could not speak publicly at the time, with sources close to the Sussexes saying that speaking out could have resulted in legal action. In her statement, released on Friday, she said she was "deeply distressed" and that her thoughts were with any children who may have been harmed.

Markle, a former TV lighting director, moved to the Philippines in 2025 after a series of strokes and is reportedly now in a rehabilitation centre in Florida, learning to walk again. His relationship with Meghan broke down ahead of her 2018 wedding.

The FBI said it was "aware of the allegations" and would investigate any related federal violations. The BBC has contacted Markle for comment.