Heart surgery stops father attending
Thomas Markle changes his plans again over his daughter’s big day, as he says he needs operation
MEGHAN MARKLE’S father is to undergo heart surgery which will stop him from walking his daughter down the aisle, it emerged last night. After a day of confusion, in which he appeared to change his plans repeatedly, Thomas Markle announced via TMZ, the US celebrity website, that he was due to have an operation and would not attend the royal wedding on Saturday. It came just hours after an earlier U-turn, in which he said he would be at the wedding.
The furore began on Monday when the 73-year-old said he would avoid the ceremony for fear of embarrassing his daughter in the wake of a controversy surrounding his collusion with the paparazzi. On Tuesday he raised hopes that he would be attending by saying his daughter had been in touch to reassure him, and that he was prepared to fly to Britain if his medical condition allowed.
Mr Markle is reported to have said: “I hate the idea of missing one of the greatest moments in history and walking my daughter down the aisle.”
But within hours, he appeared to change his plan for a third time, claiming he required heart surgery after falling unwell again. He told the site: “They [doctors] will go in and clear blockage, repair damage and put a stent where it is needed.” The abrupt changes raised further fears for Mr Markle’s well-being.
Kensington Palace has not commented on any of the claims, repeating only a plea for understanding and respect for Mr Markle.
Mr Markle said his daughter harboured “no ill feelings” towards him after he was exposed for working with the paparazzi despite Kensington Palace’s insistence that he wished to remain private. The confusion leaves plans for the royal wedding in further disarray. His inclusion in the wedding was confirmed for the first time on May 4, with Mr Markle planning to fly from his home in Mexico to Britain to meet the Queen and all senior members of the Royal family before the big day.
Instead, on Monday, he disclosed he had pulled out of walking Ms Markle down the St George’s Chapel aisle “because he doesn’t want to embarrass the Royal family or his daughter”.
In comments that have not been confirmed or denied by the palace, Mr Markle said his daughter had sent him messages telling him that she loved him and was concerned about him. It is understood that neither she or her husband-to-be Prince Harry hold him accountable for his decision to work with the paparazzi, believing him to have been placed under intolerable pressure by their presence.
Doria Ragland, Ms Markle’s mother, is flying to Britain and is expected to meet the Queen this week. She is expected to be the alternative choice to walk Ms Markle down the aisle.