Meghan Markle cancels speech after father arrested on child pornography charges

Meghan Markle cancelled her appearance at the European Parliament in Brussels, where she had been scheduled to co-deliver a keynote with Prince Harry on protecting children online. The decision came hours after her father, Thomas Markle Sr., was arrested in Florida and charged with possession of child pornography. Prince Harry will now present the introduction and give the speech alone, followed by a panel titled “Beyond Promises: Building a Digital Future That Works for Children.”

The Lost Screen Memorial, which the couple was to open, features phone lock screens belonging to children who died after harmful online experiences. The installation was created under the direction of European Parliament President Robert Metsola.

Thomas Markle Sr., 82, was taken into custody by FBI agents at a senior living facility in Polk County, Florida. He has been released on bond with strict conditions, including house arrest, a GPS ankle monitor and a ban on internet-enabled devices. He has not entered a plea and continues to deny the allegations.

Meghan Markle issued a brief statement saying she was informed of the investigation through a letter from British authorities in 2019 and expressed willingness to cooperate with the FBI and other agencies.