Meghan faces criticism over timing of statement about father

Thomas Markle Sr, 82, is being investigated after Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr, said he had found four large boxes of child sexual abuse images and videos at a property connected to their father. Thomas Sr has denied wrongdoing. Meghan, 45, said she was “deeply distressed” by the allegations and that her thoughts were with any children who may have suffered.

In her statement, Meghan said a letter sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection in 2018 — later corrected to 2019 — made disturbing allegations against her father. She said the letter was shared with her and that she was assured the claims were being investigated. The letter is believed to have been written by Thomas Sr’s first wife, Roslyn Loveless, and reportedly alleged that he had travelled to parts of Asia to have sex with young girls.

Critics have challenged Meghan’s account and questioned why she did not report the matter herself. Journalist Dan Wootton asked why she had not reported it if she knew of the allegations. Piers Morgan also pointed to a 2022 interview in which Prince Harry said media attention around the estrangement before his 2018 wedding had damaged Meghan’s relationship with her father. Meghan has said she distanced herself to protect her children after learning of the claims. Morgan wrote that the accounts did not make sense.

An unnamed source quoted by heat said Meghan and Harry were “absolutely disgusted” by criticism that portrayed her as the villain. The source said Meghan had received support from friends and that Harry was focused on helping her through the situation. The same account said they wanted justice and, if the allegations were proven, for Thomas Sr to face the consequences.

Meghan also faced criticism after announcing, three days after the allegations emerged, that she would co-host Junior MasterChef Australia. The programme is expected to begin filming next year. Buckingham Palace has not commented publicly; a Palace source told Page Six the matter was “a matter for the Sussex Household.” A source quoted by heat said the Palace felt sympathy but intended to stay out of the controversy, noting that Meghan is no longer a working royal.