Thomas Markle, a man accused of sexually abusing children and the estranged father of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was sent back to jail on November 10, 2026. He had removed an electronic ankle monitor that he was required to wear as part of his home confinement.
A U.S. Magistrate Judge ruled that Markle violated the conditions of his release after cutting off the monitoring device. He was taken back to federal custody without bail during a hearing in Tampa, Florida.
Markle, 82, was arrested on November 6, 2026, and charged with possessing child sexual abuse material. Federal authorities found explicit photos and other materials in storage units he rented in Los Angeles. One photo showed a naked girl in what appeared to be a motel room in the Philippines, where an investigation into Markle began last month.
The FBI affidavit revealed that Markle had collected slides, negatives, and books related to the material. When first accused, Markle denied possessing such images, calling them “sick lies.”
At his initial court hearing, Markle was released on home detention with an ankle monitor. However, after he removed the device, federal prosecutors requested his return to jail. The judge agreed, citing his unstable living situation and advanced age.
Markle was ordered to be held separately from other inmates and undergo a medical evaluation. A psychiatric examination was also ordered to assess his mental competency for trial.
Meghan Markle, who has not spoken to her father since 2018 due to the allegations, made her first public appearance since the charges were filed on November 14 in Brussels. She attended an event with Prince Harry but did not speak during the proceedings.