“They contacted the Duchess’s office to ask for a copy of the letter when its existence first came to light but have not been back in touch since then.”The force announced last month it had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, the complaints watchdog, over its failure to act on the accusations against the 82-year-old.However, the FBI’s swoop to arrest Thomas Sr today at Florida’s Maravida Senior Living care home and charge him throws the spotlight back on Met chiefs.In a pointed statement, Patrick Grandy, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, said: “This case highlights the importance of the involvement of the public, even if it’s a family member or close friend, to be vigilant and speak up if they have information on individuals they suspect may be preying on and exploiting our children.”