Harry and Meghan make first appearance since her estranged father’s arrest over child sex abuse images

November 10, 2026 / 9:22 AM EST / CBS News

London — Prince Harry and Meghan held hands tightly Tuesday as they stepped into public view for the first time since the Duchess of Sussex's estranged father was arrested in the United States. The FBI detained Thomas Markle Sr., 82, in Florida on Friday after federal prosecutors charged him the previous day with possession of images of child sexual abuse.

Harry and Meghan arrived Tuesday at the European Parliament in Brussels for an event focused on online child safety. Harry and Meghan had been slated to deliver a keynote speech together at the Lost Screen Memorial, but Meghan withdrew, leaving Harry to address the event solo.

Children "deserve to feel safe wherever they are," Harry said, standing alone at the podium, "in a classroom. On a playground. At any time, no matter where they are."

The scheduled event's focus was on addressing the perils of online abuse and exploitation of children, but Harry's remarks carried deeper significance for his wife and all those in attendance given the timing.

"I know from people close to her that she is very, very emotional, and that is the reason why she pulled out…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/