Meghan Markle’s father arrested in US over child sex abuse images

Thomas Markle, 82, the estranged father of Meghan Markle, was arrested in Florida on Friday over allegations of possessing child sexual abuse images, according to US prosecutors. Markle faces one count of possession of child pornography and is set to appear in court in Tampa. He is accused of keeping such material, including photographs of himself with prepubescent girls, in storage units in Lakeland, Florida, as well as a former home in the Philippines and a storage unit in Mexico.

Agents seized over 70 items, including slides, film negatives, and books, during the raid. If convicted, Markle could serve up to 20 years in prison. Meghan Markle, the current Duchess of Sussex, expressed deep distress over her father's alleged actions, stating she had blocked contact between them following previous troubling allegations.

The incident marks a significant legal challenge for Markle, who is currently separated from her husband, Prince Harry.