Meghan’s dad ‘wants to come but heart op might stop him’
PLans for the royal wedding were in turmoil last night after it was reported that Meghan Markle’s father would have heart surgery today.
The apparent operation added yet further confusion to the preparations for the wedding, which is only three days away
It came hard on the heels of reports that Mr Markle had changed his mind about travelling to Britain to give Meghan away and now wanted to walk his daughter down the aisle when she marries Prince Harry on saturday.
Last night the Us gossip website TMZ reported that he was having heart surgery today and would not be released in time to fly to the wedding.
Mr Markle, 73, is said to have told TMZ: ‘They [doctors] will go in and clear blockage, repair damage and put a stent where it is needed.’
The report could not be independently confirmed last night and Kensington Palace declined to comment.
Earlier, Mr Markle was said to have decided to attend the wedding after an attempt by Miss Markle to phone him and a text in which she is said to have told her father she loved him and was concerned about his health.
Mr Markle’s participation in the wedding has been in doubt since allegations emerged at the weekend that he was paid by a paparazzi photographer for his co- operation in setting up a series of pictures in Mexico to tie in with the event.
On Monday, he was quoted as saying he would not be going, as he didn’t want to embarrass his daughter any further. It was then said that he had suggested that Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland walk her down the aisle at st George’s Chapel.
The Daily Mail revealed yesterday that Miss Markle, 36, had been in touch with her father on Monday offering her support
and Harry TMZ Castle reassuring but still said apparently this wanted she weekend. him had him that tried at he she Windsor calling was and not sent near a text his phone. expressing she later her love The and website concern. said this had caused Mr Markle to change his mind. He reportedly said he hated the idea of missing out on the ‘historic moment’.
‘Of course I’d walk her down the aisle. I’d like to be a part of history,’ he apparently said.
But TMZ said Mr Markle was ‘back in the hospital after experiencing serious chest pains, and doctors are performing a battery of tests on him. He says the doctors told him his heart was “seriously damaged” after his heart attack a week ago’. Reports that he was admitted to hospital seven days ago after having chest pains have not been independently confirmed.
The bankrupt, who divorced Miss Ragland when Meghan was six and now lives a reclusive life in Mexico, said his daughter had tried to call him on Monday after he suddenly revealed to reporters that he would not fly to the UK which was, apparently, news to her.
‘Thomas says he’s thought about it and now believes what he did with the photos was not a serious transgression, although he calls it “stupid”,’ TMZ said. ‘He says... “I hate the idea of missing one of the greatest moments in history and walking my daughter down the aisle”.’
Mr Markle had been due to arrive in Britain today to meet senior members of the Royal Family, including the Queen, ahead of saturday’s ceremony. He still has not met Harry, his future son-in-law.
Despite the allegations over his collusion with the paparazzi, Kensington Palace, yesterday continued to request the media respect Mr Markle’s privacy, reiterating its call for understanding in what they admitted was a ‘difficult situation’.
Miss Ragland, who is extremely close to Meghan, is due arrive in the UK from her home town of Los angeles imminently.
she is already playing a starring role on saturday, accompanying her daughter to the chapel in one of the Queen’s cars.
‘I’d like to be part of history’