Sussex Statement: Meghan Markle Reveals 2018 Warning About Father

The Duchess of Sussex has publicly addressed the ongoing legal inquiry into her father, stating she is deeply distressed by the developments. In a statement sent to reporters on Friday, Meghan detailed a timeline that places her awareness of the allegations more than a decade before the current probe. This disclosure arrives just days after authorities in the Philippines confirmed they are examining evidence found in Cebu province.

Meghan asserts that she was made aware of troubling claims regarding Thomas Markle Sr. as early as 2018. According to her written remarks, a letter containing these allegations was sent to the Metropolitan Police and its Royalty and Specialist Protection unit that year. She stated the document was subsequently shared with her, and she received assurances at the time that the matter was being actively investigated by U.K. authorities.

However, the Metropolitan Police has clarified that it has not conducted an investigation into Markle and is not currently doing so. A spokesperson for the force acknowledged media reports that officers from the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command may have helped pass on the letter in 2018. The department is currently conducting internal enquiries to confirm the specific procedural steps taken at that time.

The current crisis stems from a report filed by Thomas Markle Jr., Meghan’s half-brother. The Sun reported on Thursday that he informed Philippine authorities after discovering child abuse materials in storage boxes at the family home. Markle Jr. allegedly found the items after powering on an old cell phone left at the residence. He reportedly contacted the FBI hotline, the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children, and Pennsylvania state police in July while his father was in the United States receiving treatment for a stroke and blood clot.

Thomas Markle Sr. has denied the claims against him. In reports from the Daily Mail on Friday, he stated, 'I have never downloaded anything like that in my life.' He characterized the allegations as 'sick lies.' Despite his denial, the Philippine Department of Justice confirmed on Friday that its anti-trafficking task force is handling the case. The state-run Philippine News Agency noted that the investigation involves an octogenarian American national who allegedly left videos and photos in his Cebu home.

Meghan also used the statement to clarify the reasons behind her estrangement from her father. She explained that her decision to limit contact and restrict his access to their children was driven by a desire to protect them. She noted that this choice has often been distorted by media narratives over the years. Her focus, she said, remains on the well-being of her family during this period.

The duchess expressed hope that the legal process would be thorough and fair. Her statement concluded with a wish that justice would be fully served, emphasizing that the primary priority must remain the safety and protection of innocent children involved in the case.