Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been arrested by US federal authorities in Florida on charges related to the possession of child sexual abuse material.
According to the US Department of Justice, the 82-year-old was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Lakeland, Florida, on Friday. He faces one federal count of possessing child sexual abuse material and is expected to appear before a court in Tampa.
US prosecutors allege that the material involved images depicting minors. Authorities have described the allegations as serious and said the case will be pursued under federal law.
The arrest follows an investigation that began after Thomas Markle Jr., Meghan’s half-brother, reportedly informed authorities that he had discovered suspected illegal material among his father’s belongings at a former residence in the Philippines.
Philippine authorities had also been examining electronic devices and other materials connected to the investigation, with assistance from US federal agencies.
Meghan Markle previously expressed deep distress over the allegations, saying her primary concern was the safety and protection of children. She also explained that her decision to remain estranged from her father and keep him away from her children was intended to protect her family.
Thomas Markle has previously denied the allegations, describing them as false and strongly rejecting any involvement in such material.
