Meghan Markle has made her first public appearance since her father, Thomas Markle, was charged in the United States over the alleged possession of child sexual abuse images.
The Duchess of Sussex arrived at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, on Tuesday, November 10, alongside her husband, Prince Harry, for an event focused on protecting children from online harm.
The couple attended the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial, an art installation honouring children who died after experiencing harm linked to social media.
Prince Harry delivered a speech at the event, while Meghan was also expected to address delegates. However, she later withdrew from the planned speech, according to a spokesperson for the couple.
Meghan Markle Withdraws From Planned Speech
According to The Daily Telegraph, Meghan did not feel strong enough to deliver her address following the recent developments involving her father.
Last month, the Duchess said she was “deeply distressed” by the allegations against Thomas Markle.
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The couple, both dressed in black, were welcomed by delegates and members of the press as they arrived at the European Parliament. Journalists reportedly called out questions asking how Meghan was feeling, but neither she nor Prince Harryresponded.
Thomas Markle Faces Charges in the United States
The US authorities reportedly charged Thomas Markle, 82, last week with possessing child sexual abuse images.
The allegations include photographs said to have been discovered in rented storage units in California. The images reportedly included pictures of Thomas Markle with undressed underage girls.
The charges have brought renewed attention to the Duchess of Sussex’s family situation, particularly following her previous public statement expressing distress over the allegations.
Neither Meghan nor Prince Harry made any public comment about the case during their appearance in Brussels.
The event marked Meghan Markle’s return to public engagements following the development, although she chose not to deliver her scheduled speech.
