Met Police referred to watchdog over Meghan's father's letter
The force is being scrutinised for its handling of a letter containing allegations against Thomas Markle.
The Metropolitan Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding its handling of a letter containing allegations against Thomas Markle, the father of the Duchess of Sussex. The force's decision not to inform other law enforcement agencies and to pass the letter to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's office is under scrutiny.
The letter, written by Roslyn Loveless, Mr Markle's first wife, was given to Meghan in January 2019. The Duchess of Sussex stated that the letter contained "troubling and disturbing allegations against my father" and provided her with sufficient reason not to visit him or allow him to meet his grandchildren. Scotland Yard confirmed the letter included claims about offending outside the United Kingdom.
Referral to IOPC
The Metropolitan Police stated it voluntarily referred itself to the IOPC following an initial review. The watchdog will examine why the Met did not share the letter's contents with other law enforcement agencies, either domestically or overseas, given the nature of the alleged offences. Reports also suggest the Met did not retain a copy of the letter and had to obtain one from the Sussexes' office.
Jim Gamble, former head of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he would expect UK police forces to share information concerning threats to children originating from foreign jurisdictions with agencies like the FBI. Noel Rasmussen, Mr Markle's granddaughter, expressed concern and called for transparent answers regarding the steps taken and the decision not to share the information.
Philippine Investigation
These developments emerge as Philippine authorities have begun investigating claims of child abuse material found within Thomas Markle's possessions. The investigation was prompted by reports from Mr Markle's son, Thomas Markle Jr, who handed over four boxes of material, including electronic devices, to police in Cebu. Mr Markle Sr has strongly denied all allegations against him, with his daughter Samantha dismissing the claims as "fake".
The Metropolitan Police indicated its intention to make further referrals to relevant overseas law enforcement agencies, a process expected to be completed in the coming days.
Questions this report answers
01Why has the Metropolitan Police referred itself to the IOPC?
The Metropolitan Police referred itself to the IOPC due to its handling of a letter containing allegations against Thomas Markle. Specifically, the referral concerns the decision not to inform other law enforcement agencies and the choice to pass the letter to the office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
02What did the letter concerning Thomas Markle contain?
The letter, written by Thomas Markle's first wife Roslyn Loveless, contained claims about alleged offending outside the United Kingdom. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, stated it made troubling and disturbing allegations against her father and gave her reason not to visit him.
03What is happening in the Philippines?
Philippine authorities have begun investigating claims of child abuse material found in Thomas Markle's possessions. This follows a report by his son, Thomas Markle Jr, who handed over electronic devices and other materials to the police for examination.
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