Meghan Markle says she is devastated by father’s child-porn arrest

Meghan Markle told a source close to her that she is "devastated" by the child-porn allegations against her father, Thomas Markle Sr., describing the situation as a source of great sadness. The source added that the 45-year-old duchess is "holding up" by relying on family and friends.

According to the same source, Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland, are supporting each other, with the mother having previously assisted the FBI in identifying disturbing images found in her son’s possession. The source said the daughter misses her mother since moving to England and that frequent conversations have been helpful.

Thomas Markle, 82, was arrested in Florida on charges of possessing child sexual abuse material. Court documents allege that investigators found explicit photographs of a man identified as Thomas engaging in abusive acts with a prepubescent girl in storage units linked to him. He appeared in court without entering a plea and was initially released on personal recognizance to a dementia-care facility with electronic monitoring. After cutting off his ankle monitor, his pre-trial release was revoked and he was taken into detention, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Florida confirmed.

Page Six has sought comment from Markle’s representatives but has not received a response.