The Duchess of Sussex reportedly ended contact with her father, Thomas Markle, in a letter sent last year, warning him that he would never meet his grandchildren amid serious allegations of child sexual abuse.

Sources close to Meghan said she told her father that she and the relevant authorities were aware of the allegations against him. The letter, reportedly sent in 2025 while Thomas Markle was recovering in hospital in the Philippines after having his leg amputated, appears to mark a definitive end to their already strained relationship.

Thomas Markle, 82, denies all allegations of abuse. Authorities in the Philippines have confirmed that an investigation into the claims is under way.

Meghan's Letter to Thomas Markle

Details of the letter, which reportedly emerged through media coverage, suggest Meghan made it clear that she would not resume contact with her father and would not allow him to have access to her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The Duchess is understood to have informed Thomas Markle that authorities were aware of the allegations made against him. The letter was reportedly sent while he was receiving medical treatment in the Philippines following the amputation of his leg.

Meghan later acknowledged the existence of the letter, explaining that it contained serious and disturbing allegations concerning her father. She expressed deep distress over the claims and said her thoughts were with any children who may have been harmed.

The Duchess also offered an explanation for maintaining distance from her father and preventing him from having contact with her children.

Police Investigate Allegations Against Thomas Markle

The allegations reportedly relate to images and videos of child sexual abuse that were said to have been discovered at Thomas Markle's former home in the Philippines.

According to reports, Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr, claimed he found a collection of images and videos among his father's belongings. He is understood to have reported the discovery to the authorities and contacted the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in July.

The FBI has confirmed that it is aware of the allegations. However, the claims remain allegations, and Thomas Markle denies any wrongdoing.

Philippine officials have confirmed that the country's anti-human trafficking and child sexual exploitation task force is investigating the matter. The announcement followed confirmation that the allegations were being examined by the relevant authorities.

Philippines Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla also said that national police had secured Thomas Markle's computer and intended to conduct a digital forensic examination as part of the investigation.

Metropolitan Police Reviewing 2019 Letter

The developments have also prompted renewed attention to a letter received by London's Metropolitan Police in 2019 containing several claims concerning Thomas Markle.

The force confirmed that it shared the letter with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the time. However, its contents were not passed on to other law enforcement agencies.

The Metropolitan Police has since said it is reviewing how the matter was handled.

It has also been reported that Meghan was informed by UK police in 2019 about allegations of abuse involving her father. Reports concerning the alleged discovery of abusive material at his former residence have added further scrutiny to the case.

The claims have not been established as proven facts, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Meghan and Her Father's Estrangement

Meghan's relationship with her father has been strained since 2018, when Thomas Markle withdrew from attending her wedding to Prince Harry, citing ill health.

The wedding took place amid widespread media attention surrounding the royal family and the Duchess's relationship with her father. Since then, the pair have remained estranged, with no public reconciliation.

Thomas Markle later moved to the Philippines, reportedly following a series of strokes. He is now said to be living in a rehabilitation facility in Florida, where he is receiving treatment and learning to walk again following the amputation of his leg.

The reported letter from 2025 appears to have reinforced Meghan's decision to keep her distance from her father, particularly in light of the serious allegations now under investigation.

Meghan's Focus on Protecting Her Children

Meghan's decision to prevent her father from meeting Archie and Lilibet appears to reflect her determination to maintain boundaries around her family while the allegations are examined.

The Duchess has two children with Prince Harry: Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. She has made clear that her father's estrangement from the family will continue.

While the allegations have prompted investigations in the Philippines and renewed scrutiny of the handling of information provided to British police in 2019, no conclusion about Thomas Markle's alleged conduct should be drawn before the relevant authorities establish the facts.

For now, the reported letter highlights the depth of the rift between Meghan and her father, a relationship that has been troubled for years and appears increasingly unlikely to be repaired.