Meghan Markle has broken her silence on troubling allegations involving her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., revealing that a letter containing what she described as “troubling and disturbing allegations” was shared with her in 2018. In a statement to PEOPLE, the Duchess of Sussex said the letter had been sent to the Metropolitan Police and its Royalty and Specialist Protection team. Meghan said her decision to keep Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet away from their grandfather was made “to protect them”. Her statement comes as fresh allegations draw attention to the family and a police investigation unfolds. Thomas Markle Sr. denies the claims.