Thomas Markle, Sr., the father of Duchess Meghan, has been detained after he "cut off" his ankle monitor, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Meghan Markle's estranged father, Thomas Markle, cut off his ankle monitor while on house arrest after being charged with having child sexual abuse material, federal authorities said on Tuesday. Thomas Markle Sr., the father of Meghan Markle, has been detained after allegedly cutting off his ankle monitor.