Meghan Markle's Father Thomas Markle Sr. Arrested by FBI After Reported Move Into Memory Care

Thomas Markle Sr.'s reported dementia diagnosis didn't stop the FBI from arresting him. The 82-year-old estranged father of Meghan Markle was taken into federal custody in Florida on Friday, Nov. 6, just days after reportedly entering a memory care facility, and prosecutors have now charged him with possessing child sexual abuse material.

According to PBS, which cited an Associated Press report, Markle faces one federal count in California and was expected to appear in a Tampa courtroom. FBI agents arrested the former television lighting director at his senior living community in Lakeland, Florida. His reported move into dementia care had raised questions about whether his cognitive condition could complicate potential criminal proceedings.

Federal prosecutors, however, are moving forward.

"Mr. Markle is accused of possessing child sexual abuse material, including photographs depicting himself with minor girls," First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement. "These allegations are extremely serious, and we will prosecute Mr. Markle to the fullest extent of federal law."

The arrest follows disturbing discoveries reported in two countries. In the Philippines, Markle's son, Thomas Markle Jr., claimed to have discovered "hundreds, if not thousands" of suspected child sexual abuse images while clearing out his father's former residence in Cebu. He subsequently contacted Philippine authorities and the FBI.

Meanwhile, investigators in Mexico reportedly searched a storage unit Markle Sr. previously rented and recovered electronic equipment and other materials for forensic examination.

But the Philippine investigation has taken another unexpected turn.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla named Thomas Jr., 60, a person of interest after a witness alleged that underage girls had been brought to a residence connected to the investigation.

"To accuse the father only is only half the police work," Remulla said, according to News5 Philippines. "There are signs that point that the son is involved in the crime as well but only as a person of interest so far."

Authorities emphasized that Thomas Jr. had not been designated a suspect.

Markle Sr. has vehemently denied the allegations, previously calling them "sick lies." He also accused his son of making false claims.

His arrest comes less than a week after reports that he had entered a Florida facility specializing in dementia care. Former FBI agent Jason Pack previously told Page Six that "a dementia diagnosis doesn't automatically prevent an arrest if investigators have probable cause."

Any questions about Markle's competency to stand trial would require a separate legal assessment.

The federal case also renews attention on Meghan's years-long estrangement from her father, which the British press has repeatedly scrutinized.

According to The Sunday Times, Meghan wanted to speak publicly about earlier allegations in 2019 but was reportedly advised by a royal protection officer, "Leave it with us, we'll investigate it."

Scotland Yard's failure to forward those allegations to overseas authorities is now under independent investigation.

Meghan, who shares Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet with Prince Harry, previously said she was "deeply distressed" by the allegations.

"I was given assurances that these were being investigated," she said, explaining that her decision to keep her children away from their grandfather was intended to protect them.