Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan Markle, the wife of Prince Harry, has been arrested in Florida, USA, on federal charges of possession of child sexual abuse material.

The case has taken another turn after a federal judge ordered an independent psychiatric evaluation of the 82-year-old to determine whether he is capable of understanding the charges and facing trial.

According to FBI documents, the suspected materials were seized from storage facilities in Los Angeles, which Markle had rented since 2008. They included photographs, film negatives and other materials.

During the first court hearing, no response was given to the charges. Judge Lindsay Griffin raised concerns about his mental state, citing his advanced age, reported memory problems, and information about his health.

For this reason, she appointed legal psychiatrist Amy Gerodimou to conduct the examination and determine whether Markle is capable of participating in the trial and contributing to his defense.

The psychiatric report must be submitted to the court by November 20. In the meantime, the court allowed his release on personal bail, provided that he remains under house arrest and is monitored electronically. The investigation and trial are ongoing, while the charges against him do not yet constitute a guilty verdict.

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