Will Thomas Markle Serve Time in Prison? Here’s What Happens If Meghan Markle’s Father Is Proven Guilty After Child Porn Arrest

Meghan Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., could face at least 10 years behind bars after being arrested over allegations that he possessed child pornography. The 82-year-old allegedly kept child sexual abuse material at his home in the Philippines and in a storage unit in Mexico. He was reportedly arrested on suspicion of possessing the material.

Although the exact federal charges have not been revealed, he could face a decade in prison for possessing the images alone. The potential sentence could be harsher if the material involved children under 12. If prosecutors bring multiple charges, Markle’s estranged father could reportedly face up to 10 years behind bars for each count.

No Way Out

Authorities have yet to revealed the specific allegations or charges against him. The case, which is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, involves a laptop allegedly containing child pornography found at Markle’s home in the Philippines, as well as similar material reportedly discovered in his storage unit in Mexico, sources told The New York Post.

The arrest came after new details emerged in the child pornography case involving Markle Sr. He was arrested in Florida, where he is currently staying at a care facility while recovering from the amputation of his leg in December 2025, the Daily Mail first reported.

More than a dozen federal agents arrived at the Florida care home in unmarked vehicles, The Sun reported. An ambulance also came to take Markle Sr., who is wheelchair-bound, into custody.

Footage from the scene shows the 82-year-old, who underwent a leg amputation last year, being wheeled out of the building by an FBI agent while wearing handcuffs.

With his head lowered, Markle Sr. was then placed inside the emergency vehicle and driven away, according to video obtained by The Sun.

Authorities also allegedly found a stash of child pornography at Markle Sr.’s home in the Philippines and in a storage unit in Mexico.

The material found at the Philippine property was reportedly discovered by his son, Thomas Markle Jr., while he was searching through his father’s belongings for a cellphone.

Markle Jr., 60, alerted authorities in July after coming across what he described as an “unbelievable amount of stuff” hidden among family keepsakes, The Sun reported.

Shocking Details Emerge

Prosecutors allege that photographs show him appearing to touch young girls in a sexual manner. “Mr. Markle is accused of possessing child sexual abuse material, including photographs depicting himself with minor girls,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “These allegations are extremely serious, and we will prosecute Mr. Markle to the fullest extent of federal law.”

According to a newly unsealed criminal complaint, he was fully clothed in two photos taken decades ago, while touching naked girls.

In one photograph, a girl is seen sitting naked on his lap as he touches her. Another image reportedly shows him lying on a bed with a naked girl positioned in front of him, the court documents state.

Markle Sr. faces one count of possessing child pornography and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Tampa, Florida, on Friday afternoon. He has strongly rejected the allegations, dismissing them as “sick lies.”

His daughter, Meghan Markle, told The New York Post that she was “deeply distressed” by the accusations.