Meghan Markle’s father is said to have had a change of heart and now wants to walk his daughter down the aisle when she marries Prince Harry on Saturday, it’s been reported.
A day after Kensington Palace released a statement responding to claims Thomas, 73, would no longer be attending the wedding, TMZ have now said he does want to make the journey to Windsor Castle for Meghan’s special day.
But sadly, later Tuesday TMZ reported Mr. Markle is having heart surgery Wednesday morning and will not be able to travel to England to attend the royal wedding afterall.
Thomas reportedly told TMZ he will go into surgery at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, adding: “They [doctors] will go in and clear blockage, repair damage and put a stent where it is needed.”
A Palace spokesman said Monday: “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.”
However, Thomas has since reportedly told TMZ, “I hate the idea of missing one of the greatest moments in history and walking my daughter down the aisle.”
The website also added that Thomas was recently admitted back to hospital after experiencing serious chest pains. He reportedly suffered a heart attack last week and doctors have now told him that his heart is “seriously damaged.”
Thomas told the publication that Meghan tried to call him on Monday, before she texted him to say she loved him and was concerned about his health.
Although numerous outlets previously suggested a series of paparazzi photos being staged with Mr. Markle’s knowledge could have been behind Meghan’s father backing out of the wedding, other reports said it was because of his heart attack.
According to Vanity Fair, sources close to Meghan expect that her mother Doria Ragland could now walk her daughter down the aisle.
In an interview with Vanity Fair on Monday, TMZ’s Sean Mandell said: “I spoke to Thomas Markle today, we have both texted and had a phone call. He told me that he had a heart attack six days ago and he is not going to be at the wedding. He has had health issues and he’s devastated by what’s happened, and he has spoken to Meghan to apologize to her.”
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While the Palace is not confirming whether Mr. Markle will or will not attend the wedding, or the reason behind the “difficult situation,” they are asking that the media show “understanding” and “respect” to Meghan’s father.
