Family friend alerted Meghan’s father to police near royal wedding: reports

A 2018 letter sent to British police detailing child abuse allegations against Thomas Markle was penned by a close family friend of both Meghan and her father, a royal commentator has said.

Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers told Today the letter was sent around the time of Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry and was later passed on to the Duchess of Sussex.

Myers said a copy of the letter was shared with royalty protection officers before being passed on to Meghan in 2018, just weeks after her wedding.

The revelations come as authorities in the Philippines investigate separate allegations concerning suspected child sexual abuse material allegedly found among belongings at Markle’s former home in Cebu.

The 82-year-old has strongly denied the accusations, describing them as “sick lies”.

Meghan broke her silence on the allegations in a statement, revealing she had been made aware of disturbing claims against her father.

“I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed,” she said.

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Duchess of Sussex ‘deeply distressed’ as allegations emerge about estranged father

She confirmed a letter had been shared with her in 2018 and said she was assured the allegations were being investigated.

“I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications’ distortion over the years, any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children, was for one reason: to protect them.”

Speaking on Today, Myers said the new information could explain why Meghan had remained silent about her estrangement despite years of criticism over her refusal to reconcile with her father.

“I mean, she has been painted as a pretty callous and heartless individual, a woman that had cut her father off,” he said.

“And now, after this has all emerged, perhaps we’re getting some clear indication and insight as to her feelings on the matter of why she actually did cut ties with her father back then.”

Myers suggested Meghan may have been advised against discussing the allegations publicly because doing so could have interfered with a potential police investigation.

The Metropolitan Police has told nine.com.au it is conducting internal enquiries to establish if its royal protection officers gave the letter to Meghan in 2018.

It is understood the force has not previously investigated Markle over the allegations and is not currently doing so.

The Philippines Department of Justice has confirmed an investigation is under way.

Markle Sr, who is recovering in the United States following a leg amputation, has rejected the allegations.

“I could never do what I’m being accused of. It’s the worst thing anyone could accuse me of,” he told the Daily Mail.

“It’s just a bunch of lies. It’s sick. I have no idea why Tom is trying to destroy me with these lies.”

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).