Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan Markle, has been arrested by federal agents in Florida over allegations linked to child sexual abuse material.
According to the Sources quoted by reports, he was taken into custody near Tampa on Friday, November 6, citing two people familiar with the investigation.
The arrest comes amid a probe in the Philippines after suspected child sexual abuse material was reportedly discovered on digital devices recovered from Markle’s former residence in Cebu City.
The investigation began when his son, Thomas Markle Jr., reportedly found hundreds or possibly thousands of images while clearing the property. He subsequently alerted Philippine authorities and contacted the FBI. Police examined the recovered devices, but officials have clarified that finding such material does not automatically establish who possessed, created or circulated it.
Investigators are still working to determine its source and identify those responsible.
Reacting to the allegations, Meghan Markle said she was “deeply distressed” by the reports. She also revealed that a letter containing “troubling and disturbing allegations” about her father had been sent to London’s Metropolitan Police in 2018.
Addressing her estrangement from her father, Meghan said her decision to keep him away from her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was intended to protect them.
