Thomas Markle Sr. Arrested in Florida on Federal Child‑Pornography Charge

On Friday, FBI agents handcuffed Thomas Markle Sr., the 82‑year‑old father of Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, at a Florida motel. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, he faces one count of possessing child‑pornography.

The alleged material was reportedly stored in two rental units outside Los Angeles, places the former lighting director had been renting for almost twenty years. Those units, investigators say, contained the explicit content that triggered the arrest.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the operation in a brief statement, noting, “Mr. Markle allegedly targeted innocent children and sought to steal their innocence through his criminal actions.” He added that agents, working with the Justice Department, moved quickly once the material was identified.

The Florida arrest came after law‑enforcement officials received an affidavit last month from an unnamed source who said they had discovered suspected child‑abuse material among Markle’s possessions while he was living in the Philippines. Markle had moved to the Philippines in early 2025 after a long stint in California, only to relocate to Florida later that year.

According to the same release, a second anonymous tip pointed investigators toward the Los Angeles storage units. If convicted, Markle could face up to 20 years behind bars.

Markle has not spoken to ABC News for comment. Earlier this year, he publicly denied similar allegations that had surfaced in a British tabloid, calling them “sick lies” and “the worst thing anyone could accuse me of.” He also expressed shock and hurt over accusations made by his son, Thomas Markle Jr., Meghan’s half‑brother.

Meghan Markle herself issued a statement after the latest reports, saying, “I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed.” She recalled a letter sent to the Metropolitan Police in early 2019 that contained “troubling and disturbing allegations” about her father; the letter was later passed to the royal household for awareness.

British police confirmed receiving the letter in January 2019 and said it was reviewed but not shared with other agencies. The duchess’s spokesperson declined to elaborate further.

Markle’s relationship with his daughter has been rocky since he staged paparazzi photos before her 2018 wedding and missed the ceremony entirely. Meghan and Prince Harry, now back in the U.K. after six years in California, have kept a low profile as they raise their two children.

Markle’s first court appearance is scheduled for Friday afternoon in Tampa. The case is still unfolding, and officials say the investigation remains active.