MIAMI, United States — A United States judge has ordered a psychiatric evaluation for Thomas Markle, the 82-year-old estranged father of Meghan Markle, following his arrest on allegations involving child sexual abuse material.
Markle, whose daughter is married to Britain’s Prince Harry, appeared before a court in Tampa, Florida, on Friday after being charged with one count of possession of child pornography.
Judge Lindsay Griffin ordered the mental health assessment after raising concerns about Markle’s advanced age, medical condition and apparent memory difficulties.
According to the court order, the judge found reasonable grounds to question whether Markle was mentally capable of understanding the legal proceedings or assisting his attorneys in preparing a defence.
A psychiatrist has been instructed to evaluate Markle and submit a report on his mental competency by November 20.
FBI Arrests Markle at Florida Retirement Home
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents reportedly arrested Markle on Friday at a retirement facility in Lakeland, Florida, where he had been residing.
According to the US Department of Justice, investigators allege that Markle stored child sexual abuse material in two rented storage units in the Los Angeles area over a period spanning nearly 20 years.
Authorities further allege that the material included sexually explicit photographs depicting Markle with prepubescent girls.
Investigators also reportedly discovered suspected child sexual abuse images at a former residence in the Philippines and another storage facility in Mexico.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Judge Allows House Arrest
Despite the seriousness of the charge, the judge reportedly authorised Markle’s transfer to house arrest under electronic monitoring, according to CNN.
Markle previously lived in Cebu, Philippines, before reportedly returning to the United States earlier this year.
The criminal proceedings have also brought renewed attention to his strained relationship with his daughter, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.
Meghan reportedly expressed deep distress last month after allegations concerning her father became public.
Markle could face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years if convicted.
The psychiatric evaluation will help determine whether he is mentally competent to proceed with the criminal case.
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