By Karim Hammam
Thomas Markle, the 82-year-old father of the Duchess of Sussex, was arrested Friday at a senior living facility in Lakeland, Florida, on a federal charge of possessing child sexual abuse material, according to the FBI.
Arrest and Charges
Markle was taken into custody by FBI agents at the Maravida Senior Living care home near Tampa after returning to Florida for medical treatment. He appeared in a wheelchair during the arrest. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida charged him with one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
FBI Statement and Evidence
The FBI said an investigation revealed Markle kept child sexual abuse material, including sexually explicit photographs of himself with prepubescent girls, in two Los Angeles-area storage units he had rented since 2008. Agents seized approximately 78 items, including slides, film negatives, and books containing suspected CSAM, during court-authorized searches. An affidavit describes images depicting an adult man identified as Markle with a nude prepubescent girl, and another image of a nude prepubescent girl in what appears to be a motel room in the Philippines.
Prosecution and Investigation
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the allegations are extremely serious and prosecutors will pursue the case to the fullest extent of federal law. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the agency's commitment to protecting children. The case involves coordination among FBI field offices in Los Angeles and Tampa, as well as international law enforcement attachés. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel H. Weiner, Kevin J. Butler, and Kathy Yu are prosecuting.
Background
The investigation began in October 2026 after an individual reported discovering suspected CSAM among Markle's possessions in the Philippines. A second individual disclosed the existence of the storage units. Markle's most recent payments for both units were made last month via auto-pay. A criminal complaint contains allegations; Markle is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
