World · North America · 16 mins ago
Thomas Markle arrested in Florida in child sexual abuse material case
Thomas Markle was arrested in Florida in connection with possession of child sexual abuse material, according to a law enforcement source.
His arrest follows his son’s discovery of images in boxes at Markle’s former home in Cebu, Philippines.
Markle’s son said he reported the images to Philippine police and contacted the FBI.
Meghan Markle said she was distressed by the allegations and that her decision to keep her father away from her children was to protect them.
She said a 2018 letter made troubling allegations against her father and that she was told they were being investigated.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed it received the letter in January 2019, which contained claims about alleged offending outside the UK.
Meghan said she hopes justice will be fully served and that children’s safety remains the priority.
Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan Markle, was arrested in connection with alleged possession of child sexual abuse material, according to the reports.
Fox News and franceinfo said he was arrested in Florida; the AP headline said California.
The reports link the investigation to material found at his former home in Cebu, Philippines.
Meghan Markle said she was distressed by the allegations and that her distance from her father was intended to protect her children.
- Who
- Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle’s father.
- What
- He was arrested in connection with alleged possession of child sexual abuse material.
- When
- Friday, November 6, 2026, according to the reports.
- Where
- Fox News and franceinfo reported Florida; the AP headline said California.
- Why
- The arrest was connected to an investigation into alleged possession of child sexual abuse material.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Meghan Markle said a letter containing allegations about her father was sent to British police and protection officials.
The Metropolitan Police said it received a letter containing claims about alleged offending outside the United Kingdom.
Meghan Markle said she was deeply distressed by the allegations and said her distance from her father was intended to protect her children.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed it had received the letter in January 2019.
Reports said Thomas Markle was arrested in connection with the investigation.
- Person arrested
- Thomas Markle
- Relationship
- Father of Meghan Markle
- Reported arrest location
- Florida in Fox News and franceinfo; California in the AP headline
- Material under investigation
- Child sexual abuse material
- Location of former home
- Cebu, Philippines
6 sources
Meghan Markle’s Father Is Arrested on Child Sex Abuse Material Charges
Le père de Megan Markle, accusé de détention d'images pédocriminelles, a été arrêté en Floride
Meghan Markle’s estranged father arrested in child sexual abuse materials case, AP sources say
Meghan’s father Thomas Markle arrested in US on child sex abuse material charges
Thomas Markle arrested on charges related to child sexual abuse material in California
Meghan Markle's father is arrested in Florida: law enforcement source
What people are saying
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.
I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications’ distortion over the years, any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children, was for one reason: to protect them.
Although the breadth of what has now been uncovered is more sickening than one could ever imagine, my sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children.