Former Metropolitan Police Officers Accused of Sharing Allegedly Racist WhatsApp Messages Regarding Prince Harry and Meghan

Six former officers of the Metropolitan Police Service are facing charges for allegedly sharing racist WhatsApp messages, some of which reportedly included references to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The Metropolitan Police disclosed that these officers, who retired between 2001 and 2015, are now charged under Section 127(1) (a) of the Communications Act 2003. Their court appearance is scheduled for September 7th at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The content of the messages has not been fully revealed by the Met Police, although The Times newspaper has stated that the messages contained racist and derogatory remarks about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with jokes related to the government’s plan concerning asylum seekers in Rwanda.

Furthermore, the messages are said to contain references to the devastating flooding that occurred in Pakistan last year, which claimed the lives of over 1,700 individuals.

These charges follow an inquiry by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards, initiated after BBC’s Newsnight coverage last October.

The named officers are as follows:

– Peter Booth, 66, of Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, facing four counts of sending grossly offensive racist messages through public communication channels. He retired from the Met in April 2001.

– Robert Lewis, 62, of Camberley, Surrey, charged with eight counts of sending grossly offensive racist messages via public communication channels. He retired from the Met in May 2015.

– Anthony Elsom, 67, of Bournemouth, Dorset, accused of three counts of sending grossly offensive racist messages through public communication channels. He retired from the Met in May 2012.

– Alan Hall, 65, of Stowmarket, Suffolk, charged with three counts of sending grossly offensive racist messages via public communication channels. He retired from the Met in June 2015.

– Michael Chadwell, 62, of Liss, Hampshire, facing one count of sending grossly offensive racist messages through public communication channels. He retired from the Met in November 2015.

– Trevor Lewton, 65, of Swansea, charged with one count of sending grossly offensive racist messages through public communication channels. He retired from the Met in August 2009.

Commander James Harman, who leads the Met’s Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command, remarked: “Upon learning of these allegations, we immediately launched an investigation. I am heartened that diligent efforts by our officers have resulted in these charges.

We are steadfast in our efforts to regain the public’s trust, which has understandably wavered due to a series of notable incidents and inquiries involving current or former officers in recent years.

The majority of honest Met officers wholeheartedly support this endeavor. They are weary of being let down by a minority within the police force and understand the harm that such misconduct can inflict on our rapport with the communities we serve.

I am aware that updates on our investigations may potentially raise further public concerns. Nonetheless, I hope that it underscores our unwavering dedication to scrutinize any instances of corruption or abuse within the Met.

It is my sincere hope that the public perceives our resolve to take necessary actions in addressing any wrongdoing, regardless of where it is found.