Thomas Markle, father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was arrested in Florida on charges of possessing child sexual abuse material, which he had previously dismissed as baseless allegations.
On 6 Nov 2026 GMT+7, CBS News reported that Thomas Markle, 82, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex's father, was arrested in Florida, USA, on charges related to possession of child sexual abuse material. A source stated the case is under seal, so further details about the charges and legal process have not been disclosed.
Earlier, in early October, reports emerged that Philippine authorities were investigating hundreds of child sexual abuse images allegedly linked to Thomas Markle found at a residence in the Philippines. He denied the accusations, calling them disgusting lies.
Philippine police previously revealed that the investigation began after Thomas Markle Jr., his son, handed over his father's personal belongings to authorities, including digital devices currently under examination.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who has been estranged from her father since 2018, issued a statement last month expressing deep distress over the allegations and sending support to any children who may have been harmed.
Meghan also disclosed that she has been aware of the allegations against her father since 2018 and that information was shared with UK authorities. She stated that cutting off contact with her father and barring him from seeing her children was a protective decision.
Source: CBS, BBC