Duchess of Sussex confronts father with letter over abuse claims

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, recently confronted her estranged father regarding child sexual abuse allegations, according to new information reported by BBC News. The correspondence was sent in December 2025, roughly six years after the duchess first became aware of the claims against Thomas Markle Sr.

The renewed public attention follows last week's confirmation by Philippine police that they are investigating Markle. Authorities are examining allegations that he possessed a significant collection of child sexual abuse photos and videos. These materials were handed over to police by his son, Thomas Markle Jr.

Video footage, which the Daily Mail claims to have obtained exclusively, shows the 82-year-old Markle accepting the letter from his daughter while in a hospital room in the United States. According to the BBC, Meghan wrote in the note that she and authorities knew he had abused young girls. She also informed him that he would never meet their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

In a statement released last week, the duchess described her reaction to the news of the police investigation as one of deep distress. She clarified that she first learned of the allegations in 2018, when the London Metropolitan Police shared a letter with her detailing related claims. Meghan stated that this information led her and Prince Harry to decide to cut off contact between her father and their children.

Thomas Markle Sr. responded to the media coverage by quoting the Daily Mail. He said he did not remember the specific contents of the letter from his daughter but added that if Meghan says that is what she wrote, he is probably right. He also dismissed the allegations against him as sick lies and stated that he had never downloaded such materials in his life.

The tabloid also reported that Markle admitted to paying for sex in the Philippines but reiterated his denial of possessing child sexual abuse materials. He insisted that he never had sexual relations with anyone under the age of 18 and vowed to cooperate with the authorities.

The Sun reported over the weekend that the Metropolitan Police were made aware of several claims against Markle in 2019, including alleged sexual abuse of a child. The police reportedly passed these details on to the Duchess of Sussex's office at that time. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed last week that they are aware of media reports regarding officers from the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command passing on a letter in 2018 and are undertaking internal enquiries to confirm the details.

Meghan used her Friday statement to explain the rationale behind her decision to limit her father's access to her children. She noted that a letter sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection in 2018 was subsequently shared with her. The document contained troubling allegations, and she was assured that an investigation was underway. She emphasized that the distance she has kept from her father was intended solely to protect her children.

It is understood that London police are not currently investigating Thomas Markle directly. However, the specific allegations contained in the 2018 letter and those referenced in Meghan's 2025 correspondence remain unclear to the public.

Roya Nikkhah, a royal editor for the Sunday Times and CBS News contributor, suggested that these new revelations are likely to generate greater public sympathy for the duchess. She noted that while public sentiment has often focused on the couple's departure from the royal family, the ordeal of learning about her father's alleged actions is a distinct and extraordinary circumstance. Nikkhah believes the British public will feel sympathy for Meghan, though it remains to be seen if this will alter broader views on the couple's actions over the past seven years.