Thomas Markle ordered to undergo psychiatric evaluation following arrest

US Magistrate Judge Lindsay Griffin ordered the evaluation during Markle’s initial court appearance in Tampa, Florida. Concerns were raised regarding his ability to fully comprehend and participate in the proceedings.

Markle was arrested Friday at a senior living facility in Florida and released back to the facility after his initial court appearance. He remains under house arrest with electronic monitoring.

He has not yet entered a plea or denied the charges. The case is expected to be transferred to California at a later date.

The US Attorney’s Office accuses Markle of possessing depictions of sexual child abuse. Prior to his arrest, FBI agents executed searches of two storage units in the Los Angeles area registered to Markle.

The US Department of Justice reports that approximately 78 items were seized, including slides, film negatives, and books containing suspected abuse material. According to the FBI’s investigative file, several images depict a man identified by a witness as Markle.

Markle previously dismissed the allegations as “sick lies.” His court-appointed attorney has not yet publicly commented on the charges. If convicted, Markle could face up to 20 years in prison.

Duchess Meghan has not made a public statement since her father’s arrest, and neither have her official representatives. However, a close friend of the Duchess told The Sun that Meghan hopes for a “thorough and comprehensive investigation that brings justice to the victims.” Meghan and Prince Harry have been informed of the latest developments. Meghan previously expressed being “deeply distressed” about the allegations in October and stated she had kept her children, Archie and Lilibet, away from their grandfather for their protection.