Federal Agents Arrest Meghan Markle's Father in Florida Over CSAM Charges
Thomas Markle Sr. was detained outside Tampa on charges related to child sexual abuse material, following a discovery at his former home in the Philippines.
By Tomas Gonzalez ·
Federal agents arrested Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan Markle, early Friday morning in Florida. The detention occurred outside Tampa, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly.
The arrest centers on charges related to child sexual abuse material. It follows a report by The Sun, a British tabloid, stating that Thomas Markle Jr., Meghan's half brother, discovered a collection of such images while clearing out their father's residence in the Philippines.
Meghan Markle, wife of Prince Harry, recently described herself as deeply distressed by the allegations. She disclosed that a letter containing troubling claims about her father had been sent to London police in 2018. Meghan stated she was given assurances that the matter was under investigation.
"It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated," Meghan said. She added that her decision to limit contact with her father was intended to protect their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The Sun reported that Markle Jr. found hundreds, if not thousands, of images in boxes at the Cebu City property. Markle Jr. told the newspaper that he reported the findings to local police in the Philippines and contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Thomas Markle Sr. is a retired television lighting and photography director who did not attend his daughter's 2018 wedding at Windsor Castle. He lived in the Philippines earlier this year but returned to the United States after suffering a stroke that required the amputation of his left leg.
Markle Jr. indicated a shift in his relationship with his father following the discovery. "I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years, but that stops now," he told The Sun. He said he would not speak to his father unless called to provide evidence against him.
