Meghan Markle moved back to Britain with Prince Harry and their children just months ago, but her estranged father’s arrest has brought a fresh wave of upheaval for the family. Meghan Markle could already be facing questions about whether her future lies back in the US after a difficult few weeks following the arrest of her estranged father. The Duchess of Sussex, 45, moved to the UK with Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, in August, six years after the couple left royal life behind and settled in California. But the family’s return to Britain has coincided with a deeply distressing situation involving Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle Sr, who was arrested in Florida on November 6.
The 82-year-old was charged with possession of child sexual abuse material after investigators reportedly seized suspected material from storage units linked to him. He has denied ever possessing such images, describing the allegations as “sick lies”. Mr Markle was initially released under strict conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring tag. However, he was returned to custody after allegedly removing the device, and a judge revoked his pre-trial release. He remains accused of an offence and has not been convicted.
Meghan has previously said she was “deeply distressed” by the allegations and that her decision to keep her father away from her children was made to protect them.
The latest developments have reportedly taken an emotional toll on the duchess. She pulled out of a planned joint speech with Harry at an event in Brussels on November 10, leaving her husband to deliver the address alone.
The couple later appeared together in public, with Meghan seen holding Harry’s hand as they attended the event.
While the Sussexes have made Britain their home again, their links to the US remain strong. They have kept their Montecito property in California, where they lived after stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, also remains in Los Angeles. Reports have suggested the pair have been speaking frequently as Meghan leans on her for support during the difficult period.
The duchess is also continuing to run her lifestyle brand, As Ever, while living in the UK. The couple have not announced any plans to reverse their move or return permanently to America.
The children were enrolled at British schools ahead of the move, although their arrangements were changed shortly after the start of term amid security concerns.
The family’s return also came after years of tension with the Royal Family and Harry’s long-running dispute over security in the UK. The couple remain private citizens and have no plans to resume official royal duties.