A US federal judge has ordered a psychiatric evaluation for Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, to determine whether he is mentally competent to stand trial on a federal charge involving the possession of child sexual abuse material.
Markle, 82, was arrested on Friday, November 6, 2026, at a senior care facility in Florida by federal agents following an investigation into suspected child sexual abuse material allegedly discovered in storage units in California.
He appeared before a federal court in Tampa, Florida, where US Magistrate Judge Lindsay Griffin ordered the psychiatric examination after raising concerns about his ability to understand the legal proceedings and assist his defence lawyer.
According to Reuters, the judge cited Markle’s advanced age, health condition and apparent difficulty recalling information as reasons for questioning his mental fitness to stand trial.
A forensic psychiatrist has been appointed to conduct the assessment, with the findings expected to be submitted to the court by November 20.
The psychiatric examination does not mean Markle has been declared mentally incompetent. Rather, it is intended to establish whether he can understand the charges against him and participate meaningfully in his defence.
The arrest followed the discovery of suspected child sexual abuse material in two storage units in the Los Angeles area, which investigators said Markle had rented since 2008.
US authorities reportedly seized approximately 78 items, including photographic slides, film negatives and books containing suspected abusive images.
According to an FBI affidavit filed in court, some of the photographs allegedly depicted Markle with underage girls.
First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli described the allegations as extremely serious, saying prosecutors intended to pursue the case to the fullest extent of federal law.
Markle did not enter a plea during his initial court appearance. He was subsequently released on personal recognisance and returned to a senior care facility, subject to home detention and electronic monitoring.
The case reportedly followed the discovery of suspected child sexual abuse material at Markle’s former residence in Cebu, the Philippines, by his son, Thomas Markle Jr., while clearing out the property.
Markle Jr. reportedly alerted Philippine authorities and contacted the FBI, prompting investigations that eventually led to the examination of storage facilities in California.
Philippine authorities have also confirmed investigations into the allegations, while US investigators have sought cooperation from their counterparts in the country.
Thomas Markle has previously denied the allegations, describing them as false.
The case has attracted international attention because of Markle’s relationship with Meghan, who has been estranged from her father since 2018, when she married Prince Harry.
Meghan recently said she was deeply distressed by the allegations and maintained that her decision to distance herself from her father and prevent contact with her children was intended to protect them.
The legal proceedings are expected to continue in California, where the federal case will be handled.