Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has reportedly been arrested in Florida over allegations involving the possession of child sexual abuse material.
According to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to CBS News, the 82-year-old was taken into custody following allegations that he possessed the illegal material.
The arrest follows reports earlier this month that hundreds of images depicting child sexual abuse had allegedly been discovered at a property linked to Markle in the Philippines.
Markle had previously denied the allegations, describing them as “sick lies”.
His arrest comes amid years of estrangement from his daughter, Meghan, who is married to Prince Harry.
In a statement issued last week, the Duchess expressed deep distress over the allegations and extended her thoughts to any children who may have been harmed.
“I am deeply distressed... my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed,” she said.
Meghan also indicated that the situation might help explain why she had largely severed contact with her father over the years.
