Meghan’s father ‘pulls out of wedding’, says US celebrity website

Prince Harry and bride-to-be appeal for ‘respect and understanding’ to be given to her father

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have appealed for “understanding and respect” to be given to the American actor’s father amid speculation he has pulled out of the royal wedding.

Thomas Markle has been caught up in controversy after he allegedly staged paparazzi photographs of himself in the run-up to the ceremony at Windsor Castle this Saturday.

Speculation that Mr Markle will not walk his daughter down the aisle began after a celebrity website claimed he would not attend, following the fallout from the pictures.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “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.” Kensington Palace would not comment further.

Ms Markle’s half-sister Samantha Markle attempted to shoulder some of the blame when she earlier tweeted it was her idea for Mr Markle to pose for what she described as “positive photos” in a bid to combat his “bad” portrayal in the press, but stated it was not done for money.

A Sunday newspaper claimed the images were staged and published CCTV footage stills of the US actor’s father in an internet cafe with a photographer.

Mr Markle was pictured being measured for what was thought to be his wedding suit, looking at screen pictures of Ms Markle and Harry while in an internet café and reading a picture book about Britain while having a coffee.

A celebrity website reported Meghan’s father had pulled out of the wedding. It said that it had spoken to him saying: “He’s now decided not to go because he doesn’t want to embarrass the royal family or his daughter.”

This is a deeply personal moment for Ms Markle in the days before her wedding. The couple ask for respect for Mr Markle in this difficult situation

It may be a dream ticket for royalists, but it looks like being a tough few days for anybody none too keen on all things monarchical. The coverage is being ramped up ahead of Harry and Meghan Markle’s imminent nuptials.

The world’s media is already Windsor-bound with intense interest from every corner of the globe.

Love the royals or hate them, one thing is for certain – it won’t be easy to avoid them this week.