Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was released from federal custody Friday, November 6, 2026, after his arrest on a child pornography charge involving suspected child sexual abuse material found in two California storage units. A federal judge also ordered the 82-year-old to undergo a psychiatric examination to determine whether he is competent to stand trial.
Markle appeared in federal court in Tampa, Florida, following his arrest at a senior care facility in Polk County. He was released without having to post money for bond, subject to home detention, electronic monitoring, and travel restrictions. The judge also ordered an examination to assess whether he understands the proceedings and can assist his attorney in preparing a defense.
The hearing followed a federal criminal complaint filed in Los Angeles accusing Markle of possessing sexually explicit images involving prepubescent girls. FBI agents recovered approximately 78 items, including photographic slides, film negatives, and books containing suspected child sexual abuse material, from two storage units he had rented since 2008.
According to an FBI affidavit, two photographs depict an adult man identified by a witness as Markle with a nude prepubescent girl. Investigators also recovered an image of a nude girl in a room resembling a motel in the Philippines, along with other photographs allegedly showing Markle with children in various stages of undress.
The FBI began investigating after receiving information in October about suspected child sexual abuse material discovered among Markle's possessions in the Philippines. Witness accounts led agents to the California storage units, where they obtained search warrants and recovered the photographs described in the complaint.
Authorities in the Philippines have also been investigating allegations raised by Markle's son, Thomas Markle Jr., who reported discovering suspected abuse images while clearing out his father's former home. A Philippine court subsequently authorized investigators to examine digital material turned over to police.
British police separately acknowledged receiving allegations about Markle years earlier. The Metropolitan Police said the information concerned alleged conduct outside the United Kingdom and had since been referred to overseas authorities.
Markle previously denied the allegations, calling them "sick lies."
Meghan, who has been estranged from her father since 2018, previously said she was deeply distressed by the allegations and had restricted his contact with her children to protect them. Representatives for the Duchess of Sussex declined to comment following Friday's arrest.
Federal prosecutors charged Markle with one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted. He did not enter a plea during his initial appearance.
Proceedings are expected to move to the Central District of California, where the complaint was filed. His arraignment has yet to be scheduled, while the FBI continues its investigation.
