Duchess Meghan’s Father Arrested in Florida Over Alleged Child Abuse Material

Federal case and seized items

The Justice Department said Markle allegedly kept child sexual abuse material in two Los Angeles-area storage units that he rented for nearly two decades. The FBI seized 78 items, including slides, film negatives and books containing suspected material.

An affidavit described at least 18 images in one unit that appeared to constitute child pornography. It also said one image allegedly showed a nude prepubescent girl in a room resembling a motel in the Philippines, while other photographs allegedly showed Markle with children in various states of undress.

Bill Essayli, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, said the allegations were serious and that prosecutors would pursue the case under federal law. FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency would use its resources to protect children.

Investigations in several countries

Last month, reports said Philippine authorities were investigating Markle over alleged possession of child sexual abuse materials. A Philippine National Police spokesperson told CBS News that an investigation began after Thomas Markle Jr. turned his father’s personal items over to law enforcement.

The Baja California State Attorney General’s Office in Mexico said a search took place Oct. 29 after a 911 report. The Daily Mail reported that it had alerted the FBI to material found in a storage unit Markle had rented near his former home in Rosarito, Mexico.

Markle denies allegations

Thomas Markle Jr. told The Sun that he had supported and helped his father for years, but would no longer do so. He said he would not speak to him again unless called to give evidence against him.

Meghan’s response and family contact

According to CBS News partner BBC News, Meghan confronted her father last year about the allegations. The Daily Mail says video it obtained shows Markle accepting a letter from his daughter in a U.S. hospital room in December 2025.