BREAKING: Meghan Markle’s Estranged Father Arrested in Florida Over Child Sexual Abuse Material Allegations

Thomas Markle Sr., the 82-year-old estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has reportedly been arrested by federal agents in Florida in connection with an investigation into child sexual abuse material.

According to reports from the Associated Press, CBS News and TMZ, Markle was taken into custody on Friday, November 6, 2026, near Tampa, Florida, following allegations that thousands of images depicting child sexual abuse had been discovered among his belongings.

The arrest follows an investigation launched in the Philippines after Markle's son, Thomas Markle Jr., reportedly alerted authorities to disturbing material allegedly discovered at his father's former residence in Cebu.

Philippine authorities subsequently recovered approximately 7,500 photographs and a video containing suspected child sexual abuse material from electronic devices submitted for examination. Investigators have been working with US authorities to establish ownership of the devices and determine who may be responsible.

Markle Sr. has strongly denied the allegations, previously describing them as false. Details of the specific federal charges have not yet been publicly confirmed.

Meghan Markle Previously Spoke Out

The Duchess of Sussex, who has been estranged from her father for several years, previously expressed her distress over the allegations.

In a statement issued in October, Meghan revealed that she had been made aware of troubling allegations concerning her father years earlier and had chosen to maintain her distance to protect her family.

She said:

"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."

The Duchess also explained that her decision to prevent her father from having contact with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, had been motivated by concerns for their protection.

The latest developments mark a significant escalation in an investigation that has attracted international attention.

As investigations continue across the United States and the Philippines, authorities are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the recovered material and identify those responsible.

Markle has not been convicted of any offence in connection with these allegations, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Sources: Associated Press, CBS News, Sky News and TMZ.