Thomas Markle Will Not Attend the Royal Wedding

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

From Town & Country

This morning, after days of back and forth, Meghan Markle has confirmed that her father, Thomas Markle Sr., will not attend the royal wedding on Saturday.

"Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding. I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health," reads the message, which was shared on Twitter this morning.

"I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous messages of support. Please know how much Harry and I look forward to sharing our special day with you on Saturday."

The statement does not indicate who will walk her down the aisle, though many have speculated that it will be either her mother, Doria Ragland, her future father-in-law, Prince Charles, or her future brother-in-law Prince William.

Up until a week ago, her father was confirmed to be both attending the wedding and walking his daughter down the aisle.

But on Monday, Thomas Markle Sr. told U.S. publication TMZ that he would not be attending given the "fallout" over photographs which he admitted were staged. They also reported that Markle Sr. had suffered a heart attack last week.

At that time, Kensington Palace issued a statement, which read:

"This is a deeply personal moment for Ms. Markle in the days before her wedding. She and Prince Harry ask again for understanding and respect to be extended to Mr. Markle in this difficult situation."

Then, on Tuesday, he said he would like to attend, should his doctors allow him to travel, saying "I hate the idea of missing one of the greatest moments in history and walking my daughter down the aisle."

Hours later, he revealed that he would need heart surgery. "They [doctors] will go in and clear blockage, repair damage and put a stent where it is needed," he said.

On Wednesday, he spoke again with TMZ to say that the surgery went well.

"I'm ok. It will take a long time to heal," he told TMZ on Wednesday. "Staying in the hospital a few more days. Not allowed to get excited."

According to the publication he also shared that he thinks they "implanted 3 stents, but he wasn't sure."

TMZ has not corroborated information regarding Markle Sr.'s health with any of his doctors, and Kensington Palace did not directly comment on his medical condition.

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