The Duchess of Sussex's father has been charged over alleged possession of child abuse material, including images of himself with young girls.

His arrest follows reports by The Sun, a British tabloid newspaper, that Meghan's half-brother found a collection of child sexual abuse images while clearing out the home of their father in the Philippines.

US federal agents arrested Thomas Markle in Florida. The Duchess of Sussex and television actress Meghan Markle, who is estranged from her father, said she was "deeply distressed" by the charges.

Thomas Markle Sr., the father of Meghan Markle, has been arrested amid an investigation related to child sex abuse material he allegedly possessed.

Thomas Markle Sr., the father of Meghan Markle, has been arrested amid an investigation related to child sex abuse material he allegedly possessed.

Thomas Markle Snr was taken into custody near Tampa, Florida, according to the Associated Press.

Thomas Markle, the father of Prince Harry's wife Meghan, was arrested Friday morning, people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

Thomas Markle arrested in US over child pornography possession allegations, Reuters reports. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The Duchess of Sussex's father, Thomas Markle Snr, has been arrested by the FBI in Florida on charges related to child sexual abuse material, sources have told The Associated Press.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for California said Thomas Markle was charged with one count of "possession of child pornography."