A US federal judge has ordered a psychiatric evaluation for Thomas Markle, the estranged father of the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, to determine whether he is mentally fit to stand trial on a charge of possessing child sexual abuse material.
The 82-year-old appeared before a court in Tampa, Florida, where Magistrate Judge Lindsay Griffin raised concerns about his mental competence, citing his age, health condition and apparent difficulty recalling details.
The judge said there was reasonable cause to question whether Markle could understand the proceedings against him or assist in his defence.
Markle was arrested on November 6 after investigators reportedly discovered suspected child sexual abuse material among items kept in storage units he had rented in the Los Angeles area since 2008.
The materials allegedly included photographs, film negatives, slides and books. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Psychiatric assessment ordered
The court appointed forensic psychiatrist Dr Amie Gerodimos to conduct an independent evaluation of Markle’s mental condition.
She is expected to submit her findings by November 20.
The assessment will help determine whether the case can proceed against Markle, who has not entered a plea.
Following the court appearance, he was released on personal recognisance, subject to home detention and electronic monitoring.
The federal charge carries a possible prison sentence if he is convicted.
The case has drawn attention because of Markle’s estrangement from his daughter, Meghan, who married Prince Harry in 2018.
The allegations remain before the court, and Markle is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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