Met Police misplaced letter alleging offences by Thomas Markle, report says
The Metropolitan Police reportedly misplaced a 2019 letter from Thomas Markle’s ex-wife alleging child sex offences and warning that he could pose a threat to the Sussexes. The force later asked Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, whether she had a copy, which she supplied; the allegations remain unproven and Mr Markle denies them. The case raises questions about how the police handled information that could have been relevant to child protection and security.
Roslyn Loveless is understood to have sent the letter before its contents were passed to the Sussexes. The Met is assessing whether to refer itself to a police watchdog, amid claims it failed to act on an earlier tip-off and did not share the information with the FBI or National Crime Agency. Former child exploitation unit head Jim Gamble said an external investigation was necessary, warning that children may have remained at risk during the years since the allegations were raised. Authorities in the Philippines are investigating alleged abuse images said to belong to Mr Markle.
In short
- The Met reportedly misplaced a letter alleging offences by Thomas Markle.
- Meghan supplied a copy after police asked whether she had one.
- The allegations are denied and remain under investigation.
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The case for
The strongest case for an independent investigation is that allegations involving possible child abuse and a security warning should be recorded, assessed and passed to the appropriate agencies promptly. If the Met lost the letter or failed to share relevant information, an external review could establish what happened, whether procedures were followed and whether any child-protection risks were missed; the allegations themselves remain unproven, and Mr Markle denies them.
The case against
A careful assessment should distinguish a possible administrative failure from proof that the police ignored a credible threat or left children at risk. The letter’s claims are allegations, not established facts, and an external watchdog referral may not be necessary if the Met can account for its handling through a transparent internal review and refer the matter if that review finds evidence of serious failings.
Explained simply
The Metropolitan Police, or Met, is the force responsible for policing London. Thomas Markle is the father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex; his former wife, Roslyn Loveless, is reported to have sent police a letter in 2019 making allegations about him and raising concerns about the safety of Meghan and Prince Harry.
The allegations have not been proven, and Mr Markle denies them. The case has drawn attention to how police handle information that could affect child protection or personal security, and to whether concerns should be passed to other agencies.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Met Police ‘misplaced letter containing child sex allegations against Thomas Markle – and had to ask Meghan if she kept a copy’”.