The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Meghan sad her dad will not walk her down aisle
Bride-to-be thanks public for support and says she and Prince Harry ‘look forward to sharing our special day’, as town holds royal wedding dress rehearsal
Meghan Markle’s father will not be attending her wedding to Prince Harry, the American star has confirmed.
In a statement released by Kensington Palace, the bride-to-be spoke of her sadness that Thomas Markle would miss her big day.
“Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding,” Meghan said. “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.”
Mr Markle is still in Mexico, where he is recovering after undergoing heart surgery on Wednesday to implant three stents.
The reclusive former TV lighting director, who had been due to walk his daughter down the aisle, was caught up in controversy after allegedly being caught staging photographs with the paparazzi.
He reportedly pulled out of attending the ceremony in St George’s Chapel tomorrow to avoid embarrassing his daughter but then later said, before his surgery, that he wanted to be part of history and hoped to be there, celebrity website TMZ revealed.
Meanwhile, a dress rehearsal for the big day took place yesterday in Windsor, with thousands of people turning out to get a flavour of how tomorrow will unfold. The roads around the town were closed as well-wishers basked beneath blue skies and beaming sunshine – weather expected to stay around for the weekend.
Around 250 members of the armed forces are expected to take part in tomorrow’s festivities, lining the streets as the newly-wed Harry and Meghan head on a 25-minute carriage ride through the town.
Press from around the world, tourists, locals and royal super-fans watched from behind barriers as members of the military parade around Windsor. There was a heavy police presence, with armed officers stationed around the town and other officers on top of buildings looking over the crowds from a height.
There is no official confirmation yet on who will step in to walk Meghan down the aisle in historic St George’s Chapel in front of a global television audience of millions.
Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, who has arrived in the UK ahead of the big day, is tipped for the role or perhaps the bride will turn to her closest male friend, Soho House director Markus Anderson.
Prince Harry has not yet met his future father-in-law Mr Markle. The first meeting had been due to take place this week.