Meghan Markle’s Father Arrested in Florida, AP Sources Say

WHO:

CNN - Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle’s father, was arrested by federal agents, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly.

CNN - Meghan Markle is an American citizen and starred in the U.S. television drama “Suits”; she is married to Prince Harry, and they have two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

CNN - Thomas Markle is a retired television lighting and photography director.

TMZ - Thomas Markle Sr. was described as 82 years old and Meghan Markle’s estranged father.

CBS News US - Thomas Markle was described as Meghan’s estranged father.

WHAT:

TMZ - TMZ reported that FBI agents arrested Thomas Markle at his senior living residence.

CNN - Thomas Markle was arrested on charges related to child sexual abuse material and taken into custody near Tampa.

TMZ - Thomas Markle was arrested in Florida for possession of child sexual abuse material; TMZ said it confirmed the arrest.

CNN - Meghan said she was “deeply distressed” by allegations that a collection of child sexual abuse images had been found at her father’s former home.

CNN - Meghan said a letter containing “troubling allegations” about her father had been sent to London police.

CNN - Meghan and Prince Harry married at Windsor Castle; Thomas Markle did not attend the wedding.

CBS News US - Thomas Markle was under investigation by authorities in the Philippines for alleged possession of child sexual abuse materials.

WHERE:

TMZ - The reported arrest location was a senior living residence in Florida.

CNN - Thomas Markle was taken into custody near Tampa, Florida.

TMZ - The arrest took place in Florida.

CBS News US - Authorities in the Philippines investigated alleged possession of child sexual abuse materials.

CNN - Meghan and Prince Harry married at Windsor Castle; the letter was sent to London police.

WHY:

CNN - Meghan said she decided to distance herself from her father to protect her children.

CNN - The arrest involved charges related to child sexual abuse material; the articles report allegations and do not state a court finding.

HOW:

CNN - Federal agents arrested Thomas Markle; AP’s sources confirmed the arrest anonymously.

TMZ - TMZ reported that FBI agents arrested Thomas Markle.

(UPDATED November 6, 2026 20:00 UTC)

Federal agents arrested Meghan Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle, in Florida on charges involving child sexual abuse material. He was taken into custody near Tampa; the allegations have not been proven in court. Meghan said she was deeply distressed and distanced herself to protect her children.

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(UPDATED November 6, 2026 17:03 UTC)

Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas Markle, was arrested by federal agents near Tampa, Florida. He faces charges involving child sexual abuse material; the allegations are not court findings. Meghan said she was deeply distressed by allegations and distanced herself to protect her children.