Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, says allegations of sexual abuse against her father explain her decision to keep her distance and prevent him from meeting her children. Thomas Markle strongly denies the allegations, calling them “sick lies” intended to destroy his reputation.

The disclosures provide previously undisclosed context for an estrangement that has attracted sustained criticism. They do not establish the truth of the allegations, and it remains unclear what investigation took place.

By 2019, police had shared with Meghan a letter from her father’s first wife, Roslyn Loveless, containing allegations against him. Meghan was then a working royal. The Sussexes’ spokesman says she believed an investigation was under way; it is not clear who else knew about the letter, including Palace officials.

Meghan says the allegations explain why she did not bring her children to see their grandfather, including after moving to the United States. She has recently returned to the UK with Prince Harry and their children.

For years, critics presented the rupture as evidence that she abandoned people once close to her. One commentator wrote in 2020: “She ditched her family, ditched her dad, ditched most of her old friends, split Harry from William”.

The dispute drew renewed attention in December 2025, when Markle underwent a leg amputation in the Philippines. He publicly expressed a wish to end the estrangement and meet his grandchildren and Harry. A letter Meghan sent him, initially understood as a message of well-wishes, instead disclosed her knowledge of the allegations and told him he would never see his grandchildren.

Samantha Markle has also rejected the allegations against her father, describing them as “fake news” and “clickbait”. She disputes the credibility of the letter written by her mother, Loveless, and argues that the claims lack evidence. Her assertion that no legal action will follow is not an established outcome.

Meghan’s supporters have also cited racism and sexism in the treatment she has received. The allegations now introduce another consideration when assessing criticism of her family relationships, but whether they will alter public attitudes is unknown.

A YouGov survey earlier this month found that 22% viewed Meghan positively and 49% disliked her. Those figures describe existing attitudes, not whether the disclosures will change them. The underlying allegations, and the extent of any investigation, remain unresolved.