Since moving back to Britain, the Sussexes have found themselves in the headlines again. This time, the scandal surrounding Meghan Markle‘s dad, Thomas Markle Sr., has emerged while she and Prince Harry are still seeking armed police security in the U.K. Now, a former bodyguard to the royal family has outlined what RAVEC would actually examine. His analysis focuses on intelligence and risk rather than public attention alone.
Former Met Police bodyguard to royal family analyzes Sussex security in the wake of Thomas Markle scandal
Simon Morgan, a former Met Police bodyguard to the British royal family, spoke to Page Six. According to him, RAVEC, the committee that oversees royal security, would ask whether anyone might target Meghan Markle because of the allegations against her father.
In his view, RAVEC works using intelligence and credible sources. It would weigh social media chatter, dark web discussion, any rise in negative correspondence to the Sussexes, and public perception. Thomas Markle Sr.’s scandal, he said, is something “you cannot discount.” They will also be testing whether credible threats exist.
Morgan further noted that King Charles, senior royals, and prime ministers receive armed protection because of their positions. The Sussexes, by contrast, are assessed case by case. Meghan and Harry lost their automatic security when they stepped back from royal life and moved to California in 2020. Harry lost a legal appeal in May 2025. After the family moved back to the U.K. in August, RAVEC began fresh risk assessments.
The allegations emerged when Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., claimed he found child sexual abuse images and videos among their father’s belongings at his home in the Philippines. Local authorities confirmed that Thomas Sr. is under investigation. He has since denied the claims, calling them “sick lies.”
Meghan, who has been estranged from her father since 2018, said she had known about the “deeply distressing” accusations for years. She said her decision to keep him from her children was “to protect them.”
Philippine authorities have since held their first official press conference. Acting Director of the Philippine National Police, Pmgen Wilson Casueta, said “the investigation is going in the right direction,” adding that a case will be filed if there is sufficient evidence.
