Meghan Markle’s estranged father has been arrested on a federal child pornography charge after investigators allegedly discovered dozens of items containing suspected child sexual abuse material in storage units he had rented for nearly two decades.
Thomas Markle Sr., 82, was taken into custody in Florida on Friday, November 6, in a stunning development that has thrust the Duchess of Sussex’s already fractured family back into the spotlight.
Federal prosecutors say the retired Hollywood lighting director possessed photographs that allegedly depicted him with underage girls, raising deeply disturbing questions about materials investigators believe he kept hidden for years.
Markle, who lives in Lakeland, Florida, has been charged with one count of possessing child pornography. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison, although any sentence would ultimately be determined by a judge.
The investigation reportedly began after Markle’s son, Thomas Markle Jr., alerted authorities to suspected child sexual abuse material discovered among his father’s belongings at a former residence in the Philippines.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, investigators received information in October about suspected illegal images found overseas. Authorities subsequently learned that Markle maintained storage units in the Los Angeles area.
Armed with court-approved search warrants, FBI agents searched two units that Markle had reportedly rented since 2008.
Inside, investigators seized approximately 78 items, including photographic slides, film negatives and books containing suspected child sexual abuse material.
Federal authorities allege that some of the recovered images depicted an adult man, identified by a witness as Markle, alongside young girls. Investigators also described photographs apparently taken in the Philippines.
The discovery prompted federal authorities to move forward with criminal charges.
“Mr. Markle is accused of possessing child sexual abuse material, including photographs depicting himself with minor girls,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement.
“These allegations are extremely serious, and we will prosecute Mr. Markle to the fullest extent of federal law.”
The arrest comes after months of growing scrutiny surrounding Markle and allegations that had already deeply shaken his famous daughter.
Meghan, 45, who has been estranged from her father since the tumultuous lead-up to her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, publicly addressed the allegations in October.
The duchess said she was “deeply distressed” by what had emerged and expressed concern for any children who may have been harmed.
In an especially emotional statement, Meghan defended her years-long decision to keep her father away from her children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.
“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,” she said.
The statement marked a striking new chapter in a family feud that has repeatedly played out in public.
Meghan’s relationship with her father deteriorated before her royal wedding in May 2018, when he became embroiled in a controversy involving staged paparazzi photographs and ultimately did not attend the ceremony.
The pair have remained estranged, with Markle frequently speaking publicly about his daughter and her marriage to Prince Harry.
But the latest allegations go far beyond their longstanding personal disagreements.
A friend of Meghan previously told PEOPLE that the duchess was struggling to process the accusations while spending time with Harry and their two children during a school vacation.
“It’s been really difficult. She’s really cut up,” the friend said, describing the emotional toll the allegations had taken.
Meghan also emphasized that her concerns extended beyond her own family to the children potentially affected by the alleged material.
“My sincerest hope is that justice will be fully served and that the priority remains the safety and protection of innocent children,” she said.
Markle was expected to make his initial appearance in federal court in Tampa on Friday following his arrest.
The FBI continues investigating the case, and authorities have not announced additional charges.
Chop off his biden!