Meghan Markle's estranged father arrested for child pornography possession: US authorities

Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan Markle, has been arrested by US authorities for allegedly possessing child pornography. The 82-year-old from Lakeland, Florida, is charged with one count of possessing child sexual abuse material, including images depicting himself with minor girls, according to the US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California.

Markle, who is accused of having such material in Florida, Mexico, and the Philippines, is expected to appear in court in Tampa on Friday. US authorities stated that the allegations are extremely serious and that they will prosecute Markle to the fullest extent of federal law. Meghan Markle's spokesperson has not yet commented on the arrest.

The Daily Mail, which first reported the story, claims that Markle was taken into custody at his senior living community in Lakeland. Philippine police have begun investigating Markle over the accusations, which he has denied, calling them "sick lies."