Allegations against Thomas Markle change the view of Meghan’s estrangement from her father

What has come to light

A series of BBC publications is devoted to allegations of sexual abuse against Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. According to the BBC, in 2018 Meghan learned of “disturbing allegations” against her father, and in 2019 she received a letter from his first wife Roslyn Loveless containing details of these allegations. The letter was passed to Meghan by the police while she was still listed as a working member of the royal family; it is unknown who else, including palace staff, knew about it. The Sussexes’ press secretary states that Meghan believed an investigation into the allegations was under way. Thomas Markle himself firmly rejects the allegations, calling them “lies” and “sick lies” that are allegedly being used to destroy his reputation.

Why this changes the picture of the estrangement

BBC correspondent Sean Coughlan notes that this information makes one view differently the years-long criticism of Meghan for “turning her back” on her loved ones, including her father. According to her, it is precisely these allegations that explain why she kept her distance and did not bring her children to see him. December 2025 is also being re-examined, when Thomas Markle was in hospital in the Philippines after a leg amputation and told the Mail on Sunday: “I don’t want to die estranged from Meghan. I want to see my grandchildren.” At the time, the letter passed on from Meghan to her father was thought to be a get-well message, but as the BBC now understands, it was a far more strained document: Meghan told her father that he would never see his grandchildren.

Denial and the family’s reaction

Meghan’s half-sister Samantha Markle also rejects the allegations, calling the stories “fake news” and “clickbait”. On Sunday she wrote on X that “there will be no legal action against my father — with no evidence amid so many shaky stories”, and that her father “had no access to such content and spent most of his time in hospital”. She also questions the reliability of the letter from her mother Roslyn Loveless.

Public perception

The BBC notes that Meghan, along with Prince Harry and the children, recently moved back to the UK, and asks whether this story could become a turning point in her often hostile relationship with the British public. Her supporters have pointed to racism and sexism in the coverage of her; the author suggests that now that her “behind-the-scenes story” looks as imperfect as anyone else’s, she may be treated more leniently. At the same time, a YouGov poll at the start of the month showed that 22% of respondents view Meghan positively, while 49% view her negatively, which, in the BBC’s assessment, indicates that full public trust is still a long way off.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, ITV/ Shutterstock