Meghan Markle's estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., has been arrested by federal authorities in Florida in connection with an investigation involving child sexual abuse material.
The 82-year-old was taken into custody on Friday, November 6, near Tampa, according to the Associated Press, which initially cited two people familiar with the investigation.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupABC News subsequently reported that Markle was arrested on one count of possession of child pornography, citing the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California.
The arrest comes weeks after authorities in the Philippines launched an investigation into allegations that child sexual abuse material had been discovered at Markle's former residence in Cebu City.
What led to Thomas Markle's arrest?
The investigation followed allegations made by Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., who claimed to have discovered a collection of disturbing images while clearing out their father's former home in the Philippines.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupAccording to reports from The Sun, Markle Jr. contacted authorities in the Philippines and the FBI after allegedly discovering the material.
Philippine authorities subsequently searched the property and recovered digital devices for examination. The Los Angeles Times reported that investigators had identified more than 7,000 images and a video involving minors on devices allegedly connected to Markle Sr.
© GC ImagesThomas Markle Sr. has denied the allegations. Speaking to the Daily Mail before his arrest, he described the accusations as false and said he could not have committed the acts alleged against him. The allegations remain subject to legal proceedings, and an arrest or criminal charge does not establish guilt.
Meghan Markle previously addressed the allegations:
In October, the Duchess of Sussex broke her silence after reports emerged about the investigation involving her father.
"I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed," Meghan said in a statement reported by the Associated Press.
© DPPA/Sipa USAThe duchess also revealed that she had been made aware of troubling allegations against her father years earlier.
According to Meghan, a letter containing allegations about Thomas Markle had been sent to London's Metropolitan Police in 2018 and was subsequently shared with her.
© Getty ImagesShe explained that her decision to maintain distance from her father, including not allowing him contact with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was motivated by concerns for their protection.
The Metropolitan Police later acknowledged receiving the letter in January 2019 and announced a review of its handling of the allegations, including its decision not to refer the information to other law enforcement agencies at the time.
Meghan Markle's complicated relationship with her father:
Meghan and her father have had a strained relationship for years, with their estrangement becoming public around the time of her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018.
Thomas Markle, a retired television lighting director, did not attend the royal wedding at Windsor Castle. The ceremony took place amid controversy surrounding staged paparazzi photographs arranged before the celebration.
© MEGAThe Duchess of Sussex has since spoken about the breakdown of their relationship and her decision to keep her family life private. Markle Sr. had been living in the Philippines before returning to the United States following serious health complications, including a stroke and the amputation of his left leg.
His arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation. Further details about the federal proceedings and the next steps in the case are expected to emerge as authorities release additional information.
