The 82-year-old Thomas Markle, father of Meghan Markle, appeared before a federal court in Florida on Friday (Nov. 6) 82-year-old Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle’s father, was brought before a federal court in Florida on Friday (November 6) following his arrest on charges of possessing child sexual abuse material. The FBI seized approximately 78 items during a search of two storage units in the Los Angeles area, which Markle had been renting since 2008.
Following the hearing, the court ordered him to be placed under house arrest, with electronic monitoring, at the assisted-living facility where he resides.
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In court in a wheelchair
The father of the Duchess of Sussex appeared before a federal judge in Tampa, Florida, accompanied by two federal marshals.
According to CBS News, a BBC partner network in the U.S., Markle was wheeled into the courtroom in a wheelchair, wearing black pants and a black T-shirt.
The proceedings lasted about 30 minutes, during which U.S. Attorney Courtney Derry presented the charge against him.
The 82-year-old was not asked to enter a plea. The date for the formal arraignment in California will be set at a later time.
At the same time, a psychiatric evaluation was ordered to determine whether he is capable of understanding the legal proceedings and cooperating with his attorney.
The FBI’s findings at the two warehouses
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the arrest took place following FBI searches of two storage units in the greater Los Angeles area.
Markle had been renting these storage units since 2008, and the most recent payments were made in October 2026 via automatic bank debit.
Federal agents seized approximately 78 items, including photographic negatives, slides, and books, which allegedly contained child sexual abuse material.
Court documents describe photographs in which, according to authorities, an adult man appears with underage girls. A witness identified the man in two of the images as Thomas Markle.
According to the BBC, the man in the photographs is estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old, suggesting that the material under investigation may date back several decades.
Markle has previously denied the allegations, calling them “sick lies.”
The investigation began in the Philippines
The case began to be investigated when information emerged about suspicious material allegedly found among Markle’s personal belongings in the Philippines, where he had previously resided.
According to reports, his son, Thomas Markle Jr., discovered the material while clearing out his father’s residence in Cebu City and notified the authorities.
Four boxes containing items—including computers, cell phones, hard drives, and old videotapes—were handed over to local police.
Information obtained from the Philippines led American investigators to locate the two warehouses in California.
Thomas Markle had moved to the Philippines in 2025 and faced serious health problems, including strokes and the amputation of his left foot. He subsequently returned to the United States, where he was residing in a care facility.
What the FBI Said About the Arrest
FBI Director Kas Patel stated that federal authorities acted quickly after the evidence was uncovered.
“Mr. Markle is accused of targeting innocent children and attempting to rob them of their innocence through his criminal actions,” he said.
He added that the FBI will use every available means to protect children and investigate such cases.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Esaili described the allegations as extremely serious, assuring that prosecutors will seek the full application of the law.
If found guilty, Markle faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Until a court ruling is issued, the presumption of innocence applies.
Meghan Markle’s Response and the 2019 Letter
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did not issue a new public statement following the arrest.
The Duchess of Sussex had, however, spoken out in October, when the allegations against her father were made public.
“I am deeply shocked by the information that has come to light over the past 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been abused,” she had said.
Megan has also revealed that in 2019, British authorities were notified via a letter of allegations concerning her father.
The London Metropolitan Police confirmed in October that it had received the letter, clarifying that the information was shared with the office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but not with other law enforcement agencies.
The British police voluntarily referred the case to the independent police oversight body to review their actions.
Megan has kept her distance from her father for years. Their relationship had broken down before her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018, and she has explained that her decision to prevent him from communicating with her children stems from her desire to protect them.
Source: Proto Thema
