Kensington Palace confirms that Meghan Markle's dad will not attend the wedding
Meghan Markle has issued a statement confirming that her father will not attend her wedding to Prince Harry on Saturday.
Meghan Markle has broken her silence surrounding whether her father will attend Saturday's wedding.
Kensington Palace published a statement from Prince Harry's fiancée confirming that Thomas Markle will not be attending the service.
The official statement, shared on Twitter, read: '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.
'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.'
Speculation that Meghan's father would not be at the wedding started early this week when it was reported he had suffered a heart attack. It was reported that he was undergoing serious surgery yesterday and would therefore be unable to fly to the UK for his daughter's special day.
Thomas has been in the headlines a lot in the last few days after The Mail On Sunday revealed that he had staged paparazzi pictures for money.
At the time, Kensington Palace issued a statement asking for understanding and respect during this 'deeply personal moment'.
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
The wedding would have been the first time Prince Harry met Meghan's father Thomas. It is likely that he will not meet the father of his bride until the couple have officially tied the knot.
Meghan has spoken about her close relationship to her mother in the past
Meghan's mum Doria has arrived in the country ahead of Saturday's wedding but it has not been confirmed whether she will now be the person to walk her daughter down the aisle.
Doria is already playing an important role in Meghan's day by accompanying her in the car to Windsor Castle.
The Palace are yet to say who will now walk Meghan down the aisle, but if her mum did take on the responsibility, Meghan would not be the first royal bride to have a woman walk her down the aisle.
Queen Victoria walked her daughter Princess Beatrice down the aisle when she married Prince Henry of Battenberg in 1885.
So although it would be against tradition for Doria to walk Meghan down the aisle, it wouldn't be unheard of.
Who do you think will or should walk Meghan down the aisle? Head over to our Facebook page and let us know your thoughts!
Jessica is a freelance food writer, stylist and recipe tester. She previously worked as Senior Food Writer at Future. While at Future Jessica wrote food and drink-related news stories and features, curated product pages, reviewed equipment, and developed recipes that she then styled on food shoots. She is an enthusiastic, self-taught cook who adores eating out and sharing great food and drink with friends and family. She has completed the Level 1 Associate course at the Academy of Cheese and is continually building on her knowledge of beers, wines, and spirits.
-
Compromising may be killing your relationship - here are 5 ways to reach healthy compromises, according to relationship expert
Compromising isn't always the best way to keep the peace in a relationship
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Best interactive pets for kids: 15 gift ideas for children of all ages
From puppies to axolotls, take a look at our selection of the best interactive pets you can buy that are sure to be a hit with little animal lovers
By Sarah Handley Published
-
Meghan Markle’s understandable parenting anxiety that means Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet likely won’t visit the UK next month
The Sussex family are meant to be visiting the UK next month, but 'anxiety' over their children's safety means the plans may yet change
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton are ‘enthusiastic’ about reconciling with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle - and it’s all for the sake of their children
The Prince and Princess of Wales are reportedly keen to end the royal feud and connect with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Meghan Markle opens up about ‘cruel’ and ‘hateful’ online bullying she experienced throughout her pregnancies - and reveals the one thing that got her through it
Meghan reflected on the struggles she experienced during her pregnancies in an emotional speech at the SXSW festival over the weekend
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet set to benefit massively from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s latest venture - and it proves the couple want the very best future for their children
The royal youngsters aren't the only children whose lives could be changed by the project
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle change Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's surname in ‘surprise’ move that proves they will always be royals
The royal couple have rebranded their website and made some poignant changes to their children's names
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly ‘shocked’ about the controversial reaction to their baby name
Queen Elizabeth II was reportedly 'furious' when the couple used her childhood nickname as their daughter's name
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose to announce their pregnancy at an odd royal event - and not everyone would have been pleased with them stealing the limelight
Their decision likely ruffled some feathers
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Meghan Markle recalls ‘wonderful’ Christmas with Royal Family that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet missed out on and reveals how the celebrations fulfilled her biggest childhood wish
Meghan has fond memories of her festive celebrations with the royals
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published