Meghan Markle is reportedly preparing to return to the United States as the situation surrounding her estranged father, Thomas Markle, takes another serious turn. The 82-year-old was taken back into federal custody after prosecutors accused him of cutting off his court-ordered ankle monitor, just days after his arrest in connection with allegations involving child sexual abuse material.

According to authorities, Thomas removed the electronic monitoring device at around 1:45 a.m. on Tuesday, November 10. He was arrested shortly afterward and is now being held in Tampa, Florida, while prosecutors ask the court to revoke his release and keep him in custody pending trial.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli made clear that prosecutors were treating the alleged breach of his release conditions seriously.

“Release conditions are court orders, not suggestions,” Essayli wrote in a statement shared on Tuesday. He said prosecutors would ask the court to detain Thomas while the case moves forward.

The latest development comes only four days after a judge allowed him to leave custody under conditions that included electronic monitoring. His original arrest followed an investigation into material allegedly found in two storage units in the Los Angeles area. Prosecutors say around 78 items, including photographic slides, film negatives and books, were seized.

Thomas has denied wrongdoing, and the allegations have not been proven in court. A judge has also ordered him to undergo a mental competency examination, with a report due by November 20.

Meghan’s Return to the US Comes Into Focus

The report that Meghan is preparing to return to the United States comes at a difficult moment for the Duchess of Sussex, who has already spoken publicly about how deeply upsetting the allegations involving her father have been.

Meghan previously said she was “deeply distressed” by the news and made clear that her decision to remain estranged from Thomas, including keeping him away from Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, was made to protect her children.

She also expressed hope that the case would be handled properly, saying she wanted “justice to be fully served” and that the safety of any children who may have been harmed must remain the priority.

There are also indications that Meghan wants to assist investigators. During a report on the case, CBS News royal contributor Roya Nikkhah said the duchess was keen to cooperate with the FBI and other authorities looking into the allegations. She noted that Meghan wanted to provide any information or assistance she could, although doing so would not necessarily be straightforward.

That reported willingness to cooperate may become particularly important if Meghan does return to the United States, although there has been no public confirmation that she is traveling back specifically to take part in the investigation.

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A Difficult Day in Brussels

The latest news about Thomas also came as Meghan and Prince Harry made their first public appearance since his arrest. The couple attended the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial at the European Parliament in Brussels, an event focused on children affected by online harm and exploitation.

Meghan had been expected to deliver remarks alongside Harry but withdrew from the planned speech. Harry went ahead alone, speaking about the need to protect children online. Meghan, looking somber and somewhat distressed remained at the event and stood alongside her husband, who held her hand as they arrived.

CBS News reported that Meghan was finding the situation extremely difficult and that she had chosen to attend in solidarity despite being unable to give the planned address.

For Meghan, the events of the past few days have brought an intensely personal family matter into the public eye once again. Her relationship with Thomas has been broken for years, and she has repeatedly made clear that she does not want him having contact with her children.

His return to federal custody now adds another development to a case that is still unfolding, while Meghan faces questions about what comes next. If the reported trip back to the United States goes ahead, it will come at a time when her family is dealing with an investigation that she has said she wants to see brought to a proper conclusion.