The Papers: 'Meghan's father charged' and 'Brand investigation widens'

Thomas Markle’s arrest over alleged possession of child sex abuse material features on a number of Saturday’s front pages. The Duchess of Sussex’s 82-year-old father appeared in court on Friday charged with one count of possessing indecent images of children, the US Department of Justice said. He has previously denied allegations of possessing images of child sex abuse.

The Daily Mirror also leads on Markle’s arrest, which came after the FBI searched two LA storage units he had rented for almost 20 years. He is pictured in an archive photo with his daughter Meghan, who has not commented on his arrest.

Russell Brand’s conviction on charges of rape and sexual assault also features on several front pages. The i Paper carries Met Police boss Sir Mark Rowley’s comments that he would not be surprised if more people came forward with allegations against Brand. He confirmed to the BBC on Friday that there were “two ongoing rape investigations” into the entertainer.

The Guardian reports that unnamed sources say it is feared that Brand is “suspected of attacks on at least 10 more women”. The newspaper separately carries some sport news under the headline “brothers in arms”, as Jude Bellingham is joined by his brother Jobe on the England football squad.

The Times also leads on Brand’s conviction and subsequent calls to reform how sexual offences are prosecuted. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said rape survivors should not be made to feel “like they are on trial”, the paper reports.

The Daily Star reports Brand spent the night “in solitary confinement” following his conviction, and also refers to the Met chief’s remarks that there “may be many victims”.

An image of Thomas Markle’s arrest features on the Daily Telegraph’s front page, alongside a number of other stories. It reports that the forthcoming findings of a major review into youth unemployment and inactivity will urge the prime minister to “spend up to £6bn more on getting people back into work”. It also reports that the Church of England will raise “concerns” with MPs and peers scrutinising draft legislation to crack down on conversion practices, as part of the paper’s campaign to scrap the bill. The cabinet office told the paper that there was “support for our draft bill” from the Church.

The Financial Times leads on AI firm Anthropic “pressing on with its high-stakes” listing in November, citing “multiple investors”. Closer to home, it reports that spending across London’s West End rose 15% in the first six days after Oxford Street was pedestrianised.

The Daily Express splashes on its Christmas appeal to help tackle loneliness. It also carries news of Markle’s arrest, and separately an image of Catherine, Princess of Wales, backing “a healthy dose of nature”.

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