Meghan Markle's father won't be there to walk her down the aisle at her royal wedding with Prince Harry at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle Saturday.
After suffering from a heart attack last week, Thomas Markle pulled out of the royal wedding completely and will be recovering from heart surgery. Thomas Markle, a former lighting and photography director for TV shows like Married… With Children and General Hospital, told TMZ on Tuesday that he'll go under the knife on Wednesday. Doctors are supposed to clear heart blockage, repair damage from previous heart complications and insert a stent in his heart.
It is unclear if Thomas Markle will have surgery in Rosarito, Mexico, where he lives, or somewhere in the U.S.
Thomas Markle's heart surgery is just the latest drama Meghan Markle's father experienced. On Monday, it was revealed Thomas Markle allegedly staged a number of paparazzi photos that were reportedly sold to media outlets across the globe. His daughter from his first marriage, Meghan Markle's half-sister Samantha Grant, later told Britain's ITV she was the "culprit" behind the photos and had hoped the snapshots would have improved Thomas Markle's image in the media.
Following the photo controversy, Thomas Markle said he wasn't going to attend the wedding to not cause Meghan Markle and the royal family more "embarrassment." However, he changed his mind on Tuesday, telling TMZ, "Of course I'd walk her down the aisle. This is a historic moment. I'd like to be a part of history."
#EXCLUSIVE: Meghan Markle's Dad Changed His Mind & Wants To Walk Her Down The Aisle https://t.co/IUbNxRyudl #RoyalWedding
— TMZ (@TMZ) May 15, 2018
Due to the severity of Thomas Markle's heart surgery on Wednesday, he is not able to travel across the pond for Meghan Markle's nuptials.
Aside from a statement released by Kensington Palace Monday, Meghan Markle has kept quiet. "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," the statement read.
