Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s fight for police protection in the United Kingdom could face an unexpected development as serious allegations against the Duchess of Sussex’s estranged father continue to make headlines. Former royal bodyguard Simon Morgan has suggested that the controversy surrounding Thomas Markle Sr. could become relevant to the couple’s security assessment if authorities identify a credible threat linked to the allegations. The warning comes as Harry continues seeking armed police protection for his family, while investigators in the Philippines examine allegations involving his father-in-law, who has denied wrongdoing.
Meghan Markle Could Face New Security Risks Amid Father Scandal, Expert Says
According to Page Six, Morgan, a former Metropolitan Police bodyguard who protected members of the royal family, believes the allegations against Thomas Markle Sr. could raise new questions about Meghan’s safety.
“The question would be, will someone target Meghan Markle because her father is being accused of being a pedophile?” Morgan asked.
His comments come as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex seek armed police protection in Britain following their return to the country earlier this year. Morgan explained that the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as RAVEC, would need to determine whether the controversy has created an identifiable threat to the couple.
“You have to establish the risk of it happening — what does the threat look like and does it require some form of action,” he said.
However, the expert did not claim that Meghan has received a specific threat because of the investigation or that her father’s alleged actions would automatically justify additional protection.
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Security Needs Could Face Fresh Scrutiny
Kirsty O’Connor/WPA-Pool/MEGA
Morgan explained that RAVEC relies on intelligence when deciding what level of protection an individual requires. Unlike King Charles and certain other senior public figures who receive armed protection because of their positions, Harry and Meghan’s security arrangements are assessed according to their circumstances. According to Page Six, authorities could examine social media discussions, activity on the dark web, hostile correspondence, and other information to determine whether the allegations involving Thomas have changed the risk facing the Sussexes.
The former royal protection officer emphasized that such concerns cannot simply be dismissed, although the existence of public controversy does not necessarily establish a credible threat. That distinction could prove important for Harry, whose campaign for police protection has remained a contentious issue since he stepped away from royal duties.
Prince Harry Previously Lost His Legal Fight Over UK Police Protection
Francis Dias/NEWSPIX INTERNATION / MEGA
Harry’s dispute with British authorities dates back to 2020, when he and Meghan stepped down as working members of the royal family and relocated to California. The decision also meant the couple no longer automatically qualified for the same publicly funded police protection they had received while carrying out official royal duties. Harry subsequently challenged the arrangements, arguing that the security available to him and his family was inadequate. However, his legal efforts suffered a major setback in May 2025 when he lost an appeal concerning the decision to assess his protection needs on a case-by-case basis.
The issue has remained unresolved from the Duke’s perspective, particularly following reports that his family returned to Britain in August 2026. As The Blast previously reported, the Sussexes have continued facing criticism over their security demands, including questions about taxpayer-funded protection during public engagements.
Thomas Markle Sr. Denies Allegations As Police Investigation Continues
The security discussion follows disturbing allegations against Thomas Sr., 82, after his son, Thomas Markle Jr., claimed to have discovered suspected child sexual abuse material among their father’s belongings in the Philippines. Philippine authorities have been investigating the claims, including examining electronic devices and other materials reportedly recovered from the property.
Thomas Sr. has strongly denied possessing illegal material or committing offenses involving minors. According to People, Philippine police announced on November 4 that investigators had discovered files containing suspected child sexual abuse material during their examination of the property. Authorities are still working to establish ownership and responsibility. Thomas has not been charged.
The investigation has also prompted scrutiny in Britain, where the Metropolitan Police acknowledged receiving a letter containing allegations against Thomas in January 2019. The force passed the correspondence to Harry and Meghan’s office but did not forward the allegations to overseas law enforcement agencies at the time. The police watchdog subsequently launched an independent investigation into how the Metropolitan Police handled the allegations.
Meghan Markle Previously Explained Why She Kept Her Father Away From Her Children
Meghan has also spoken publicly about the allegations, revealing that she had been informed of troubling claims concerning her father years before the current investigation became public. In an October statement, the Duchess said she was deeply distressed by the accusations and explained that she believed the earlier allegations were being investigated.
As The Blast reported, Meghan also defended her longstanding decision to prevent Thomas from having contact with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. She maintained that her decision was motivated by a desire to protect them. The Duchess has been estranged from her father since 2018, and the latest allegations have brought renewed attention to their fractured relationship.
Also Read:Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Address Major Archewell Blow As Key Executive Exits After Nearly 6 Years
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