Prince Harry and Meghan Appear at Brussels Online Safety Event Amid Father’s Arrest

Prince Harry and Meghan arrived at the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday for a forum on online safety for children, their first public appearance since the Duchess of Sussex’s estranged father was detained by the FBI in Florida. The event, organized to address the risks of online abuse and exploitation of minors, featured Harry delivering a solo keynote after Meghan withdrew from the speaking slot.

"Children deserve to feel safe wherever they are, in a classroom, on a playground, at any time, no matter where they are," Harry said from the podium.

Royal editor Roya Nikkhah, a CBS News contributor, said Meghan chose to attend the event in solidarity despite withdrawing from the speech, noting the timing was difficult for her. Nikkhah added that the duchess has expressed a desire to cooperate with the FBI investigation and other inquiries related to her father’s case.

Thomas Markle Sr., 82, was arrested on Friday after federal prosecutors charged him with possession of child sexual abuse images. An FBI affidavit described the seizure of dozens of items, including slides and film negatives, from storage units in Los Angeles. Police in the Philippines are also investigating alleged material found at his former home in Cebu. Markle has denied wrongdoing and described some allegations as false.

A U.S. judge recently ordered Markle to undergo a psychiatric evaluation, setting a deadline of Nov. 20 to determine his competency to stand trial. He remains under house arrest at a nursing home in Lakeland, Florida.

The Brussels appearance also marked the couple’s first public engagement since returning to the United Kingdom after more than six years in the United States.