Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Proceed with Brussels Visit Amid Father’s Arrest
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend a ceremony in Brussels despite the recent arrest of Meghan Markle’s father, according to a branding expert.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are set to travel to Brussels on Tuesday for the unveiling of the Lost Screen Memorial, which honors children who died as a result of online abuse. The visit comes days after Thomas Markle Sr. was arrested in Florida on federal charges related to child pornography.
Branding specialist Eric Schiffer told Page Six that canceling the trip could damage the couple’s public image, while proceeding may draw additional questions about the family scandal. He suggested that Meghan should address the legal situation in a statement consistent with her previous comments from October 23.
The Telegraph reported that Meghan will not speak at the event, citing emotional strain, and that Prince Harry will deliver the remarks. The couple’s itinerary has not changed, and they will attend the ceremony as planned.
Thomas Markle Sr., who has been estranged from Meghan since 2018, was arrested by the FBI and later placed under house arrest before being moved to a senior living facility in Lakeland, Florida. He was subsequently released to stay with his daughter, Samantha Markle, after the facility denied his return.
An insider confirmed that the Sussexes intend to remain silent on the arrest during their Brussels appearance. In a statement released on Oct. 23, Meghan said her distance from her father was intended to protect her children and that she trusted authorities to act in the best interests of families.