Thomas Markle, the estranged father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been charged with possessing child sexual abuse material following his arrest in Florida.

The 82 year old was arrested after the FBI carried out searches at two storage facilities in the Los Angeles area that he had reportedly rented for nearly two decades. The investigation led to the discovery of material that resulted in criminal charges against him.

According to the US Department of Justice, Markle is expected to appear in court later. Further details surrounding the allegations and the investigation are expected to emerge through the legal proceedings.

Markle had previously denied allegations that he possessed child sexual abuse images, describing the claims as false and deeply offensive.

News of his arrest emerged earlier, with photographs published by media outlets apparently showing him in handcuffs alongside FBI agents. The images circulated following reports of the investigation and his subsequent detention in Florida.

The case has also brought renewed attention to Markle's long-standing estrangement from his daughter, Meghan, who has had little contact with him since 2018.

Last month, the Duchess of Sussex expressed deep distress over the situation and extended her thoughts to any children who may have been harmed. She also indicated that the circumstances surrounding her relationship with her father might help explain why she had largely distanced herself from him.

The latest developments mark another significant chapter in the strained relationship between Meghan and her father, while the criminal case against Markle is now set to proceed through the US justice system.