Meghan Markle’s Father Will Not Attend the Royal Wedding, Soon-to-be Royal Bride Confirmed in a Statement
'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.' - Meghan Markle
American actress Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will be tying the knot on May 19 at Windsor Castle. Earlier this month, Kensington Palace had announced that the couple were looking forward to welcoming Ms Markle’s parents to Windsor for the wedding and he would be walking Meghan down the aisle. However, Meghan said in a statement provided by Kensington Palace on Thursday that her father, Thomas Markle will not attend her wedding to Prince Harry on Saturday.
Meghan’s statement ends days of speculation of whether Mr Markle would attend the wedding or not. On Monday Mr Markle said he had made a choice not to attend the wedding to avoid embarrassing his daughter and the Royal family after he staged a series of photos of himself preparing for the event with a paparazzi agency. The 73-year-old also said that he had suffered a heart attack last week and underwent surgery on Wednesday.
Meghan in the released statement said, “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.” The statement is the first official confirmation that Thomas Markle would not be able to next to his daughter at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland has arrived in England and there is now speculation that she will walk her daughter down the aisle. The wedding day festivities will include a 25-minute carriage ride outside the castle grounds by the newlyweds after the ceremony is concluded. More than 2,600 members of the public have been invited onto the castle grounds to watch the procession.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 17, 2018 08:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).