Meghan cut off contact with her father Thomas Markle last year over sex abuse claims
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, severed ties with her father Thomas Markle Sr. last year after confronting him over child sexual abuse allegations. In a 2025 letter delivered to his hospital bed, the duchess stated she knew he was an abuser and declared he would never meet his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. While media reports indicate the letter addressed these severe claims, the BBC understands that the letter detailing the allegations against Thomas Markle was actually written by his ex-wife.
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- ✓ Duchess Meghan sent her father, Thomas Markle Sr., a letter last year severing contact and confronting him over child sexual abuse allegations.
- ✓ The duchess stated in the letter that her father would never meet his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
- ✓ The BBC understands that the letter making claims about Meghan's father was written by his ex-wife.
What changed
Public emergence of the 2025 letter detailing Meghan Markle severing contact with her father over abuse allegations.
Live updates
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Meghan Markle Cut Contact with Father Over Abuse Claims
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, severed ties with her father Thomas Markle Sr. last year after confronting him over child sexual abuse allegations. In a 2025 letter delivered to his hospital bed, the duchess stated she knew he was an abuser and declared he would never meet his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. While media reports indicate the letter addressed these severe claims, the BBC understands that the letter detailing the allegations against Thomas Markle was actually written by his ex-wife.
Why it matters
The public revelation of the 2025 letter brings renewed scrutiny to the fractured relationship between the Duchess of Sussex and her father. The situation intensified following international commentary, including remarks from a Philippine minister suggesting Thomas Markle Sr. may be a sex offender. Questions also persist regarding the timing of the allegations and previous public statements.
What is confirmed
- Duchess Meghan sent her father, Thomas Markle Sr., a letter last year severing contact and confronting him over child sexual abuse allegations.
- The duchess stated in the letter that her father would never meet his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
- The BBC understands that the letter making claims about Meghan's father was written by his ex-wife.
Still unconfirmed
- A Philippine minister suggested that Thomas Markle Sr. may be a sex offender of the grossest kind.
What to watch next
- Further statements or evidence from law enforcement regarding the investigations.
- Additional responses from Thomas Markle Sr. or representatives for the Duchess of Sussex.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (14)
- The Sun — I know you are an abuser - What Meghan Markle told dad Thomas in last letter
- The Guardian — Signs suggest Thomas Markle Sr may be ‘sex offender of the grossest kind’, says Philippine minister
- BBC — Letter making claims about Meghan's father written by his ex-wife, BBC understands
- The Independent — Meghan cut off contact with her father Thomas Markle last year over sex abuse claims
- CBS News — Duchess Meghan confronted dad over child sexual abuse allegations with 2025 letter delivered to hospital bed
- www.cbsnews.com — Duchess Meghan confronted dad over child sexual abuse ...
- pagesix.com — Meghan Markle told dad Thomas he'd never see her kids in ...
- www.independent.co.uk — Meghan cut off contact with her father Thomas Markle last ...
- www.dailymail.com — Woman behind 'private' files in MAFS police probe reveals what she gave producers. Plus, Jackie O's manager speaks as Pip Edwards' influence grows - and why Tom…
- www.thedailybeast.com — Was Meghan Lying Then or Lying Now?
- www.bbc.com — Meghan broke contact with father in letter citing abuse claims
- www.the-independent.com — Meghan 'wrote to father to cut off contact' over child abuse ...
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