Met Police confirm 2019 letter on Thomas Markle allegations; did not share with other agencies

Unbiased summary

The Metropolitan Police confirmed it received a letter in January 2019 containing allegations of offending outside the UK involving Thomas Markle, the estranged father of the Duchess of Sussex. The letter was passed to the Duke and Duchess's office but not shared with other law enforcement agencies. Meghan said she was made aware of the 'disturbing allegations' and was assured they were being investigated. Philippine authorities are investigating claims that Markle possessed child sexual abuse images at his former home, allegations he denies. The Met is reviewing its handling and considering referral to the IOPC. Thomas Markle has admitted paying for sex in the Philippines but denies underage involvement.

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Coverage by outlet

The Guardian left

Angle Straightforward news report focusing on the Met's admission and the Duchess's statement, with minimal sensationalism.

Bias The Guardian sticks largely to the facts, quoting the Met's statement and Meghan's response. It does not prominently feature Thomas Markle's denial beyond a brief mention, but overall provides a balanced account without significant deviation.

Met says it shared allegations about Meghan’s father with her but not other forces

The Independent centre-left

Angle Centre-left coverage that emphasises the Met's failure to share information and highlights the Duchess's distress, while also detailing the allegations and denials.

Bias The Independent slightly frames the Met's admission as 'astonishing' and gives prominence to Meghan's statement. It includes Thomas Markle's denial but focuses more on the procedural failure and the Duchess's perspective, though it remains largely factual.

Met Police admits it did not pass claims about Meghan’s father Thomas Markle to other law enforcement

FBI releases statement after ‘disturbing allegations’ against Meghan’s father Thomas Markle

Meghan’s father Thomas Markle being investigated by Philippines authorities

BBC News centre-left

Angle Centrist coverage that prioritises the Duchess's letter to her father and the Met's handling, with additional details from the Philippine investigation and Markle's interview.

Bias BBC News provides a balanced account, including Meghan's letter, the Met's actions, and Markle's denial and admission. It does not stray far from objectivity, though it leads with the personal letter angle, which may add emotional weight.

Meghan broke contact with father in letter citing abuse claims

i Paper centre

Angle Concise, factual report centred on the Met's statement and the Philippine investigation, with minimal editorialising.

Bias I Paper provides a neutral summary, quoting the Met and noting Markle's denial. It does not emphasise any particular angle and largely adheres to the objective facts without notable deviation.

Police admit they did not share Thomas Markle letter with other forces

Daily Mail right

Angle Right-leaning outlet that sensationalises the story, focusing on Meghan's past statements, Thomas Markle's admissions, and the Met's delay, while casting doubt on the allegations' timing and motives.

Bias The Daily Mail deviates significantly by questioning Meghan's credibility (highlighting her 'Daddy's Girl' comment), emphasising Thomas Markle's confession to paying for sex, and suggesting a feud-driven motive. It downplays the seriousness of the allegations against Markle and amplifies scepticism about the Duchess's account.

Why did Meghan tell Netflix: 'I've been a Daddy's Girl my whole life' four years after Met received a letter making such disturbing allegations?

Meghan Markle's father Thomas makes a stark confession: 'I paid for sex in Far East, but I'm no child abuser' - as Met admits it sat on abuse claims for SEVEN years

Metropolitan Police under fire for failing to alert FBI over 'troubling and disturbing' claims about Thomas Markle

Thomas Markle and Meghan's half-brother tried for fresh start in Philippines after years of furious bust-ups

GB News right

Angle Right-leaning coverage that briefly notes the Met's admission and highlights the timeline discrepancy in Meghan's account.

Bias GB News focuses on the Met's confirmation and the Duchess's mistaken timeline, giving space to her spokesman's explanation. It does not delve into Thomas Markle's admission or the sensational details, but its emphasis on the discrepancy subtly undermines Meghan's credibility.

Met Police confirms it received letter in 2019 about ‘number of claims’ relating to Thomas Markle