Thomas Markle arrested in Florida in child abuse material probe

Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has reportedly been arrested in Florida in connection with allegations that he possessed child sexual abuse material, according to three sources who spoke to CBS News. The report, citing sources, has not been officially confirmed by US authorities in the material provided, and the BBC has reported the arrest through its US media partner. Markle has previously denied the allegations against him.

Investigation began in the Philippines

Last month, it was reported that Markle was under investigation by authorities in the Philippines over alleged possession of child sexual abuse material. A spokesperson for the Philippine National Police told CBS News that the inquiry began after Markle's personal items were handed to law enforcement by his son, Thomas Markle Jr.

Markle has rejected the accusations. He told the Daily Mail that the claims were "sick lies" and said he had never downloaded anything of that kind.

Meghan's statement and the family rift

Meghan said in a statement sent to CBS News that she had known of the allegations against her father since 2018 and that they had been shared with UK authorities at the time. She said that information was the basis for her and Prince Harry's decision to cut her father off from contact with their children.

She added that her distance from him and her decision to keep him from her children were made for one reason: to protect them. Meghan also confronted her father about the allegations last year, according to BBC News. Video obtained by the Daily Mail reportedly shows Markle accepting a letter from his daughter in a US hospital room in December 2025. In the letter, as reported by the BBC, Meghan wrote that she and authorities knew he had abused young girls and that he would never meet her children, Archie and Lilibet.

Half-brother named in investigation

A separate report from People.com described Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., as a "person of interest" in the child sexual abuse investigation involving their father. The material available on this point is limited, and the report does not add further detail on his role.

What we know so far

Photos published by the Daily Mail and the Sun reportedly show Markle in handcuffs, seated in a wheelchair and surrounded by FBI personnel. CBS News said it had contacted Meghan's spokesperson for comment on the arrest. Sources cited by CBS News contributor Roya Nikkah said the duchess is not likely to comment at this time. Further official details on charges and court proceedings have not yet been released.