Met Police refers itself to watchdog over handling of Thomas Markle allegations

The Metropolitan Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following scrutiny over its historical handling of correspondence detailing claims against Thomas Markle Sr., the father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. The development follows revelations that Scotland Yard received a warning letter years ago but chose not to escalate the allegations to domestic or international law enforcement partners.

According to Bbc News reporting, the original note was penned by Roslyn Loveless, the first wife of Mr Markle Sr., who passed away prior to the current disclosures. The communication was directed to the Metropolitan Police Protection Command and routed specifically through the Fixated Threats Assessment Centre (FTAC), a specialised unit tasked with evaluating risks to royalty and public figures. Commander Adam Slonecki, who leads the Protection Command, confirmed via Yahoo News that although the missive lacked explicit security threats directed at the Duchess, it set out various claims of alleged offences committed outside the United Kingdom.

Media additions

Instead of dispatching the intelligence to relevant investigative bodies, officers elected to forward the document directly to the private office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for their awareness. Daily Star coverage highlighted that the Directorate of Professional Standards subsequently conducted an internal review, triggering the voluntary watchdog referral concerning both the failure to inform external agencies and the method of disclosure.

The institutional review unfolds alongside active criminal inquiries overseas. As detailed by Express, police in the Philippines secured a judicial warrant to examine seized hardware retrieved from a property in Cebu. Thomas Markle Jr., the son of Mr Markle Sr., stated that he discovered concerning digital files and immediately alerted local authorities as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Public reactions from security experts have underscored the gravity of the procedural omissions. Dai Davies, former head of Scotland Yard’s Royal Protection Command, told Lbc and reporting partners that he was astounded by the force's inaction. Jim Gamble, former head of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, echoed similar sentiments, noting that standard protocol mandates sharing foreign jurisdiction warnings involving child safety directly with agencies like the FBI.

Mr Markle Sr., who is currently recovering from major surgery and a leg amputation at a facility in Florida, has categorically rejected all accusations. He maintained his innocence and stated he welcomes forensic examination of his personal devices, suggesting any illicit material was planted by external parties.

What To Watch Next

• The Independent Office for Police Conduct will determine the formal scope and findings of its investigation into the Metropolitan Police's 2019 decision-making process.
• Forensic data extraction and analysis on seized electronic devices in the Philippines are expected to conclude shortly, providing a definitive evidentiary picture for prosecutors.
• International law enforcement liaison channels between UK authorities, the FBI, and Philippine investigators remain open as overseas reviews progress.

For related reading across our network, explore our regional and institutional reports, including Salisbury Police cold case investigations and ongoing updates across our main sport coverage section.