The letter was forwarded to Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, who is married to Prince Harry.
On Thursday, the UK’s Metropolitan Police announced it had reported itself to an oversight body after neglecting to inform other agencies regarding a letter containing serious allegations against Meghan’s father.
The largest police service in the nation mentioned in a statement that following an internal examination, it had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct watchdog because of its “decision not to inform other law enforcement agencies”.
Rather than alerting other authorities, the force sent the letter to Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex and the spouse of Prince Harry.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed late last week that it had received a letter in January 2019 which included allegations concerning possible offenses outside the UK related to Thomas Markle.
This revelation followed Meghan’s statement about witnessing a letter sent to the police force that detailed “troubling and disturbing allegations against my father” and assurances that these claims would be looked into.
British media reported last week that Thomas Markle’s son, Thomas Markle Jr., had discovered child abuse images among belongings in his father’s possession at his previous residence in the Philippines.
All allegations have been denied by Thomas Markle.
Commander Adam Slonecki, leader of the Met’s protection command, also stated that “several referrals” regarding the allegations were being forwarded to “relevant overseas law enforcement agencies”.
According to the Philippines’ interior minister, Jonvic Remulla, local police discovered child pornography materials at Thomas Markle’s old residence and are examining a laptop.
Meghan’s father resided in Cebu, Philippines, until he apparently returned to the United States earlier this year.
In the U.S., an FBI representative stated that it was “aware of the allegations and will provide support, as appropriate, to the Philippine authorities.”
