Meghan Markle’s Father Returned to Federal Custody After Allegedly Cutting Off Ankle Monitor

A Judge Revoked Thomas Markle Sr.’s Pretrial Release and Ordered Separate Housing Where Practicable

Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was returned to federal custody on November 10, 2026, after prosecutors said he cut off his court-ordered ankle monitor. The decision came four days after his arrest on one federal count of possessing child sexual abuse material.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Lindsay S. Griffin revoked the 82-year-old’s pretrial release at a hearing that day. The judge also directed that he be housed separately from certain categories of detainees where practicable. Markle had yet to enter a plea at the time of the hearing.

🚨 BREAKING: Meghan Markle’s dad Thomas Markle Sr. has a brand new mugshot … after allegedly cutting off his ankle monitor and landing himself back behind bars.

Details: https://t.co/tkNJOHJFiM https://t.co/9XjlDIB7Ky

— TMZ (@TMZ) November 11, 2026

Federal Investigators Searched Storage Units in California

Markle, a former Hollywood lighting director, was arrested on November 6 at an assisted living facility in Lakeland, Florida. The case stems from a federal investigation into storage units in the Los Angeles area that authorities say he rented from 2008 until October 2026.

Federal investigators reported seizing approximately 78 items, including photographs, film negatives, slides and books. Prosecutors allege that material recovered from the units contained images of child sexual abuse. The federal complaint charges Markle with one count of possession.

After his initial arrest, Markle was allowed to return to the Lakeland facility while the case proceeded. He was required to wear an electronic location monitor as a condition of that release.

Prosecutors Say Markle Removed the Monitor Days After His Arrest

Authorities said Markle removed the monitor at about 1:45 a.m. on November 10. Officials took him back into custody, and Griffin revoked his release following a hearing later that day.

“Release conditions are court orders, not suggestions,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said.

The detention order directs officials to keep Markle apart, where practicable, from people awaiting or serving sentences and from those held pending appeal. Court records indicate the judge could reconsider bond if his attorneys arrange suitable living conditions.

Meghan Has Kept Her Response Private

Meghan had made no public statement about the arrest at the time of the reporting. She has previously described her decision to distance herself from her father as a way to protect her family.

An unnamed source told People that Meghan had been following developments and found the situation upsetting. Markle remained in federal custody after the November 10 hearing while the criminal case proceeded.