Meghan Markle explains her separation from her father after his arrest on child pornography charges 82-year-old Thomas Markle was arrested in Florida. According to the Associated Press, the investigation stemmed from the discovery of his son, who discovered child sexual abuse materials at his father's former home in the Philippines. The Duchess of Sussex said she was informed of similar allegations eight years ago. She was then assured that law enforcement officers were conducting an investigation. Megan explained that she did not allow her father to communicate with her children because she wanted to protect them. Merkel denies the allegations.