Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan Markle, has been arrested in Florida over allegations involving child sexual abuse material, following an investigation that reportedly began with a discovery at his former residence in the Philippines.
The 82-year-old faces one federal count of possession of child pornography after FBI agents took him into custody in Lakeland, Florida, on November 6, 2026. According to the US Department of Justice, investigators searched two storage units in the Los Angeles area that Markle had rented since 2008, recovering approximately 78 items, including photographs, film negatives, and books containing suspected child sexual abuse material.
The investigation reportedly gained momentum after suspected illegal images were discovered among Markle’s belongings at his former home in Cebu. According to a federal affidavit, information provided to authorities about the Philippine discovery helped investigators identify storage locations in California. Prosecutors also alleged that some recovered photographs appeared to depict Markle with underage girls, although these accusations remain subject to investigation and court proceedings.
The controversy has also drawn attention to Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, who previously expressed being deeply distressed by the allegations involving her father. Meghan, who married Prince Harry in 2018, has maintained a strained relationship with Markle for several years. She previously explained that her decision to prevent contact between her father and her children was motivated by concerns for their protection.
Markle faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison if convicted. He has previously denied the allegations, while US authorities continue their investigation. The case has placed renewed attention on the reported Philippine connection, but prosecutors have emphasized that the criminal complaint contains allegations, not findings of guilt, and Markle remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.