Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has withdrawn from delivering a child safety speech in Brussels.
She was due to speak at the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial at the European Parliament alongside her husband, Prince Harry, but pulled out following the recent arrest of her father, Thomas Markle.
Mr Markle was arrested by the FBI in Florida and charged with possession of child sexual abuse material.
Duchess of Sussex withdraws from public speech
Prince Harry attended the event alongside the Duchess of Sussex. (Image: Nicolas Tucat/Press Association)
A spokesman for the Duchess said: "The Duchess is travelling with the Duke to Brussels and will accompany him to the event but will not speak."
It is understood she had planned to introduce Prince Harry and speak about the importance of protecting vulnerable children.
A source told The Daily Telegraph: "She's just not strong enough, emotionally, to be doing any public speaking right now."
Prince Harry will still deliver his keynote address as planned with the hope that his words will resonate in light of the circumstances.
After the speech, the couple will visit the Lost Screen Memorial, an art installation dedicated to children who have died after exposure to harmful content online.
The allegations against Mr Markle first surfaced last month during a police investigation in the Philippines.
Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Jr, claimed he had found abusive images among family possessions and computer files.
The Duchess said she was "deeply distressed" by the allegations and revealed that she first became aware of them in 2018.
In a statement, she said: "I am deeply distressed at the news that has come to light in the last 24 hours, and my thoughts are with any children who may have been harmed.
Recommended reading
Energy bill support 2026 4 government schemes and eligibility rules explained
Russell Brand sentenced to more than 10 years for rape and sexual assaults
Spanish city cracks down on tourists with fines of up to €3000 for bad behaviour
"In 2018, a letter was sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection.
"That letter was subsequently shared with me.
"It made troubling and disturbing allegations against my father and I was given assurances that these were being investigated."
Share