Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan Markle, has been arrested by the FBI on allegations of possessing child pornography. Sources told The Post that the alleged material was found in his home in the Philippines and in a storage unit in Mexico.
Markle Sr., 82, was taken into custody in Lakeland, Florida, where he is currently residing in a rehabilitation center following a leg amputation in December 2025. The Daily Mail first reported the arrest.
A source told the Daily Mail that Markle Sr. was arrested for possession of child sexual abuse material.
The alleged images found in the Philippines were reportedly discovered by his son, Thomas Markle Jr., while he was searching through belongings for a cellphone. Markle Jr. reportedly contacted FBI investigators and the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children in July.
Disturbing child pornography was also allegedly uncovered in a Mexico storage unit rented by Markle Sr. The Daily Mail reported finding the material after gaining access to the unit near his former home in Rosarito Beach, Mexico, when Markle Sr. failed to make payments. Books about pedophilia and magazines depicting child sexual abuse were reportedly among the items found.
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, released a statement saying she is "deeply distressed" by the allegations. "My thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed," she stated.
Markle Sr. has denied the claims, calling them "sick lies." His daughter, Samantha Markle, also told the Mail that the allegations against her father are "unsubstantiated."