Judge Orders Thomas Markle Psychiatric Exam
A judge ordered a psychiatric exam for Thomas Markle in his child pornography case.
November 10, 2026 · Updated 10:19am ET
CNNJudge orders psychiatric exam for Thomas Markle, father of Meghan, in child pornography case
CBS NewsJudge orders psychiatric exam for Meghan Markle's father, citing condition "rendering him mentally incompetent"
New York PostJudge orders psychiatric exam for Meghan Markle’s dad, Thomas, in vile child porn case
The GuardianMeghan makes first public appearance since father’s arrest but pulls out of speech
Associated PressPrince Harry's wife Meghan makes first public appearance since father's arrest
Daily MailHarry to address European Parliament as Meghan pulls out of speech
NewsNationMeghan Markle timeline on Thomas Markle allegations raises questions
NBC NewsMeghan makes first public appearance since father was charged, but pulls out of speech on child safety
NewsweekMeghan Markle makes first appearance since father's arrest
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Pano rates the coverage Mostly Center.
What happened
- A federal judge in Florida ordered a psychiatric exam for Thomas Markle
Thomas MarkleAmerican lighting director and father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle
Meghan, Duchess of Sussexmember of the British royal family and Duchess of Sussex since 2018’s father, to determine whether he is mentally fit to face a charge of possessing child sexual abuse material. - U.S. Magistrate Judge Lindsay Griffin cited his health, advanced age and “lack of recall” during his initial court appearance in her Friday order.
- Markle, 82, was placed under house arrest on Saturday following his appearance in federal court in Tampa.
- Meghan attended a child online safety event in Brussels on Tuesday but withdrew from a planned speech, leaving Prince Harry
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussexyounger son of Charles III of the United Kingdom and Diana, Princess of Wales to speak alone. - The evaluation is intended to resolve whether Markle is competent to face prosecution; no completion date has been reported.
How the left told it
Left-leaning outlets covered the court’s concerns about Markle’s mental fitness and the fallout for Meghan. CNN highlighted Judge Lindsay Griffin’s reference to his “lack of recall.” The Guardian focused on Meghan’s public appearance and canceled speech, noting that she described herself as “deeply distressed” by the allegations.
How the right told it
Right-leaning outlets covered the psychiatric exam and the emotional fallout for Meghan. The New York Post highlighted the competency question under a headline calling it a “vile child porn case.” The Daily Mail emphasized Meghan’s withdrawn speech and reports that she was “not strong enough emotionally” to deliver it.
Thomas Markle Abuse Case
Part of the storyline · Storyline →- Nov 10Thomas Markle DetainedBalanced
- Nov 10Judge Orders Thomas Markle Psychiatric Exam (this story)Mostly Center
- Nov 6Thomas Markle Sr. ArrestedLeans Right
- Oct 25Philippine Police Investigate Thomas MarkleBalanced
- Oct 24Met Police Received Thomas Markle ClaimsBalanced
