Meghan pulls out of child safety speech with Harry after father’s arrest

The Duchess of Sussex has pulled out of making a joint speech with the Duke of Sussex because she is “not strong enough” after her father’s arrest.

Harry and Meghan had both been due to deliver the keynote address on child safety to the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday.

The duchess will still join Harry at the event, but has decided not to speak after Thomas Markle Sr appeared in court on Friday charged with possession of child abuse material.

“She’s just not strong enough, emotionally, to be doing any public speaking right now,” a source told The Telegraph.

The event will be the first time Meghan will have been seen in public since the allegations surrounding Markle Sr.

During the 82-year-old’s court appearance, travel restrictions were imposed by the judge on the Duchess of Sussex’s father, who did not enter a plea at the hearing in Tampa, Florida.

He has been bailed and was ordered to undergo a psychiatric exam, amid concerns he may not be unable to understand the proceedings or properly assist his lawyer.

A future court appearance in California is not due for at least several weeks, according to the US justice department.

Harry’s now-solo speech will take place at the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial, an art installation honouring children who have died after being subjected to harm online.

A spokesperson for the duchess has been approached for comment.