Meghan Markle’s Father Thomas Markle, 82, Sent Back to Jail After Allegedly Cutting Off Ankle Monitor in Child Abuse Image Case

Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been ordered back into federal custody after allegedly cutting off his electronic ankle monitor just days after his arrest on charges involving child sexual abuse material.

The 82-year-old was taken into custody again on Tuesday, November 10, after prosecutors told a federal judge that he had removed the monitoring device at approximately 1:45 a.m.

Markle had initially been allowed to leave custody under strict conditions, including home confinement and electronic monitoring. But prosecutors argued that removing the ankle bracelet violated the terms of his release and demonstrated that he could no longer be safely supervised outside detention.

US Magistrate Judge Lindsay Saxe Griffin agreed and ordered him held without bond while the criminal case proceeds.

The decision marks another dramatic development in a case that has attracted international attention because of Markle’s connection to the British royal family.

FBI investigation uncovered suspected illegal material

Markle was arrested in Florida on November 6 after an FBI investigation into material allegedly stored in two storage units in the Los Angeles area.

According to federal prosecutors and court documents, investigators seized approximately 78 items, including photographs, film negatives, slides and books containing suspected child sexual abuse images.

The FBI affidavit describes explicit photographs allegedly showing Markle with an underage girl, alongside other images involving children.

He has been charged with one federal count of possessing child sexual abuse material.

The allegations have not been proven in court. Markle has denied wrongdoing and reportedly described the accusations as false.

Judge raises concerns about his mental competence

The legal proceedings have also raised questions about Markle’s medical condition and ability to participate in his defense.

The judge previously ordered a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether he is mentally competent to stand trial.

During an earlier court appearance, concerns were raised about his age and difficulty recalling certain information.

Markle suffered a stroke earlier in 2026 while living in the Philippines and subsequently had his left leg amputated. He returned to the United States and had been staying at an assisted-living facility in Lakeland, Florida.

His defense attorney had sought to keep him out of jail, but prosecutors argued that his living arrangements and removal of the monitoring device made continued release inappropriate.

The judge also directed that he receive a medical evaluation and that he be kept separate from the general jail population where practicable.

Meghan says allegations against her father are deeply distressing

The case has placed renewed attention on the long-standing estrangement between Markle and his daughter, Meghan.

The Duchess of Sussex previously said she was deeply distressed by the allegations involving her father and the reported discovery of suspected child sexual abuse images.

She also explained that her decision to keep her father away from her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was made to protect them.

Meghan revealed that a letter containing troubling allegations about her father had been sent to British police in 2019. She said she had been assured that the claims were being investigated.

Her comments came after reports that a collection of suspected illegal images had been discovered among her father’s belongings in the Philippines, prompting inquiries involving authorities there and the FBI.

What happens next?

Markle remains in federal custody as the case moves forward.

The psychiatric assessment will be important in determining whether he is legally competent to face the charges. Investigators are also continuing to examine the material recovered from the storage units and any related evidence.

The possession charge remains an allegation, and Markle is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

For Meghan, the case has brought renewed attention to a painful family separation she has previously said was intended to protect her children.