Meghan Markle’s Public Appearance Takes a Turn Amid Estranged Father’s Latest Legal Drama

As more and more updates come out about Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas Markle Sr., and his child sexual abuse material case, the Duchess of Sussex is finally making an appearance in public. But her most recent outing reportedly didn’t go as planned, and now we know why.

According to CBS News, she and Prince Harry appeared at the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday to support online child safety and unveil the Lost Screen Memorial—an installation dedicated to the memory of children who have died as a result of online harms. Markle was supposed to give the keynote speech, but close sources said she was reportedly not “strong enough” emotionally, as noted by NBC News.

CBS News contributor and royal editor of Britain’s Sunday Times, Roya Nikkhah, also added: “I know from people close to her that she is very, very emotional, and that is the reason why she pulled out of giving the speech along with Harry today in Brussels. It’s been a very difficult time for her.”

While she refrained from speaking, Prince Harry gave a powerful speech, remarking at one point that children “deserve to feel safe wherever they are. In a classroom. On a playground. At any time, no matter where they are.”

Related: Meghan Markle’s Dad Arrested in Child Sex Abuse Material Case. Here’s What the Feds Have to Say

Prince Harry’s words no doubt carry extra weight, especially as Markle Sr.’s scandal continues to make waves in the news seemingly every day. The latest update includes the allegations that he had cut off his ankle monitor overnight. It was given to him in connection with his recent arrest, where he was ordered to be placed under house detention at his assisted living facility in Florida, per CNN.

Attorney Bill Essayli, the first assistant United States Attorney in California, shared the revelation on Tuesday and spoke out against the action, telling the California Post: “He was ordered to wear a location monitoring device. He allegedly cut the bracelet off at 1:45 a.m. last night. Release conditions are court orders, not suggestions. We are asking the court to revoke his release and detain him pending trial, and we will continue to prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law.”

Now, Markle Sr. has been “detained (jailed without bond),” according to Essayli, and is “in federal custody.” He must also undergo a psych exam at a later date, have no contact with minors, and has been banned from traveling outside of Florida and California, though the latter part shouldn’t be a problem anymore.

As we previously told you, Markle was apprehended in Florida one week ago and subsequently charged with one count of possession of child pornography. If convicted, he faces 20 years in federal prison.