Meghan Markle's father arrested over child sex abuse material
What's the story
Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been arrested in Florida. The arrest comes after allegations that he possessed child sex abuse material. Earlier this month, it was reported that hundreds of images allegedly belonging to Markle were found at a property in the Philippines. He had denied these allegations previously, calling them "sick lies."
Public statement
Meghan's response to her father's allegations
The Duchess of Sussex had last month expressed her distress over the allegations against her father.
In a statement, she had said: "I am deeply distressed... my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed."
"I hope it can now be understood that, despite certain media publications' distortion over the years, any distance from my father and my choice to not allow him to have contact with our children was for one reason: to protect them," she added.
Family involvement
Half-brother reported Thomas Markle
Thomas Markle Jr. Meghan's half-brother, reported their father to authorities after allegedly discovering child pornographic material at his home in the Philippines.
The Philippine police held a press conference on November 3, alleging that images of child sex abuse were found during a search of Thomas Sr.'s computers and storage devices.
Ongoing investigation
Meghan is 'cut up' over the situation
The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly receiving updates on her father's case while on holiday with her family.
A friend revealed that Meghan is "really cut up" over the situation, especially considering she has young children.
The case remains under seal, and it is unclear if the Duchess has been informed about her father's arrest.