Royals
Prince Harry Insists Children ‘Deserve to Feel Safe’ After Meghan Markle’s Father Is Arrested
Prince Harry is speaking out about the safety and well-being of children following the shocking arrest of his father-in-law, Thomas Markle Sr.
The Duke of Sussex, 42, was joined by wife Meghan Markle in Brussels, Belgium, where he spoke at the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial installment on Tuesday, November 10.
Though the Duchess of Sussex, 45, had initially planned to deliver remarks as well, a source told The Telegraph that she was “not strong enough” to do so after her estranged father, 82, was charged with one count of possessing explicit material of minors.
The Spare author — who often speaks about the dangers of modern technology and its effects on young children — said that kids “deserve to feel safe” regardless of what they have access to when it comes to the internet and social media, per Page Six.
“How did we reach a point where we can build technology capable of extraordinary things, yet still struggle to make it safe for a child?” asked the father of two, who shares Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, with the former Suits star.
“Why, when we ask whether it can keep a child safe, does everything suddenly become complicated?” Harry mused.
“All children should be able to go online and discover something wonderful,” Harry said. “A friend. An interest that becomes a passion. A place where they feel understood. They deserve to feel safe wherever they are. In a classroom. On a playground. At any time, no matter where they are.”
According to Page Six, Meghan stayed silent when she was asked by reporters in Belgium, “Meghan, how are you feeling? How are you coping?”
A press release issued November 6 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California stated that Meghan’s father was scheduled to make an initial appearance in the United States District Court in the Middle District of Florida in Tampa.
Per People, he did not enter a plea.
“Mr. Markle is accused of possessing child sexual abuse material, including photographs depicting himself with minor girls,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli in a statement. “These allegations are extremely serious, and we will prosecute Mr. Markle to the fullest extent of federal law.”
Thomas Sr. has vehemently denied the allegations against him. His daughter previously said she is “deeply distressed” by the news.
