Meghan Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., has been arrested by federal agents in Florida as a disturbing international investigation into suspected child sexual abuse material takes a dramatic new turn.
The 82-year-old was taken into custody Friday, November 6, near Tampa on charges related to child sexual abuse material, according to The Associated Press, which cited sources familiar with the investigation.
The FBI reportedly arrested Markle at Maravida Senior Living in Lakeland, where he had recently been staying following serious health complications. CBS News independently confirmed the arrest through three sources and reported that the federal case remains under seal.
The stunning development comes just weeks after Markle’s son, Thomas Markle Jr., 60, alerted authorities in the Philippines about potentially illegal material he claimed to have discovered among his father’s belongings at a former residence in Cebu City.
Philippine investigators subsequently examined electronic devices and other evidence surrendered to authorities on October 23. Police confirmed that an initial forensic examination uncovered suspected child sexual abuse material on several storage devices and a cellphone.
The investigation has since expanded into a multinational effort involving Philippine authorities and the FBI. However, investigators have emphasized that they have not conclusively established who owned, produced or distributed the material recovered in the Philippines.
In another unexpected twist, Philippine officials announced Thursday that Thomas Markle Jr., who originally brought the allegations to authorities, had been named a person of interest in the ongoing investigation. Officials stressed that he was not being treated as a suspect.
Markle Sr., a retired Hollywood lighting director, has previously vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “sick lies” and insisting he would never engage in the conduct described.
The scandal has also thrust Meghan’s long-running estrangement from her father back into the international spotlight.
The Duchess of Sussex, 45, previously revealed that she received a letter in 2018 containing troubling allegations about her father that had been sent to London’s Metropolitan Police.
Meghan said she was “deeply distressed” by the recent revelations and explained that her decision to keep her father away from her children had been motivated by concerns for their protection.
The duchess, who shares Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet with Prince Harry, expressed hope that justice would be served and that the safety of children would remain the priority.
Markle’s arrest represents a major escalation in a case that began overseas and has now reached U.S. federal authorities. With the proceedings reportedly under seal, the precise charges, evidence supporting them and details of his initial court appearance have not yet been publicly disclosed.
The investigation remains ongoing, and Markle is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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