Sussex Statement: Duchess Details 2018 Police Letter on Father

The Duchess of Sussex stated on Thursday that she is deeply distressed by claims her estranged father possessed child sexual abuse images. She revealed that the Metropolitan Police’s Royalty and Specialist Protection unit, known as Rasp, shared a letter with her in 2018 containing those allegations. The disclosure followed a report by The Sun regarding a new digital forensic probe into Markle Sr’s former residence in the Philippines.

In a statement released through a spokesperson, Meghan said the 2018 letter was sent to the Met and Rasp before being passed to her. She noted that she was assured the troubling claims against her father were under investigation. The duchess explained that her distance from him and her decision to limit contact with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, were measures taken to protect them. She expressed hope that justice will be fully served and that child safety remains the priority for authorities.

Sources close to the matter indicated that Meghan remained silent about the letter in 2018 to avoid jeopardizing a potential investigation or facing legal action. It is understood that Rasp shared the document with her shortly after her wedding to Prince Harry. The Met confirmed it has not previously investigated Markle Sr and is not conducting an investigation now, though it is making internal inquiries to confirm if Rasp officers handled the letter.

The current investigation stems from claims by Markle Sr’s son, Thomas Markle Jr, who told Philippine detectives he found hundreds or thousands of images on devices stored in four boxes at a home in Cebu. Markle Sr lived in that residence until returning to the United States in May following a stroke. The FBI stated it will support Philippine authorities and investigate any federal violations of US law. Interior secretary Jonvic Remulla said national police secured Markle Sr’s computer for a digital forensic examination, with results expected within one week.

Markle Sr, speaking from a rehabilitation center in Florida where he is learning to walk with a prosthetic limb, denied the accusations. He told the Daily Mail that the claims are sick lies and that he was shocked by the news. He stated the computers had not been in his possession since he left Mexico for the Philippines in January 2025. His daughter, Samantha Markle, supported his denial, alleging that Markle Jr. made up the stories to secure funding after their father cut off his financial support. Samantha Markle also pointed out that the devices were out of their father’s control for two years, creating an opportunity for tampering. Markle Sr has not seen his grandchildren since he missed Meghan’s wedding on health grounds.