By — Alanna Durkin Richer, Associated Press Alanna Durkin Richer, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/ap-report-thomas-markle-sr-arrested-on-charges-related-to-child-sexual-abuse-material Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter AP report: Thomas Markle Sr. arrested on charges related to child sexual abuse material Nation Nov 6, 2026 10:57 AM EST Meghan Markle's father was arrested Friday morning by federal agents in Florida on charges related to child sexual abuse material, two people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. Thomas Markle Sr. was arrested outside Tampa, according to the people who were not authorized to publicly discuss the investigation and spoke on the condition of anonymity. His arrest follows reports by The Sun, a British tabloid newspaper, that Meghan's half brother found a collection of child sexual abuse images while clearing out the home of their father in the Philippines. Meghan Markle, the wife of Prince Harry, recently said she was "deeply distressed" by allegations that a collection of child sexual abuse images had been found at her father's former home. She also revealed that a letter…
AP report: Thomas Markle Sr. arrested on charges related to child sexual abuse material
In short
The federal arrest in Florida stems from a discovery made by Thomas Markle Jr. while clearing his father's former residence in Cebu City, Philippines. Markle Jr. uncovered boxes containing hundreds or thousands of child sexual abuse images and promptly notified law enforcement, pledging to cease all communication with his father. Meghan Markle noted she had previously submitted a letter detailing troubling claims about her father to London police in 2018.
Key points
- Federal authorities arrested Thomas Markle Sr. following evidence reported directly to th…: Federal authorities arrested Thomas Markle Sr. following evidence reported directly to the FBI by his own son.
- Meghan Markle revealed that troubling allegations regarding her father were submitted to…: Meghan Markle revealed that troubling allegations regarding her father were submitted to London police back in 2018.
- Family members have severed personal ties with the suspect, citing the safety of young ch…: Family members have severed personal ties with the suspect, citing the safety of young children and potential legal testimony.