Meghan Markle's father will not be attending the wedding

Meghan Markle`s father, Thomas Markle, has been in the news lately due to the paparazzi controversy, and his health. As the wedding draws closer, the question of Thomas Markle's presence at the wedding has been at the forefront of the news. The status of his attendance has been constantly changing, but now it is officially confirmed that Meghan's father will not be walking her down the aisle at St. George`s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Paparazzi controversy

Rumors have been going around about Thomas Markle`s involvement with the paparazzi. According to The Washington Post, "The British press reported that paparazzi had moved in next door to his home in Mexico." Markle`s father became unhappy with how he was being photographed.

According to The Washington Post, Samantha Markle, Meghan`s half-sister, persuaded their father to pose, and be paid for the paparazzi photographs. These staged photographs showed Thomas preparing for the wedding, including being measured for a suit. According to The Washington Post, "Samantha Markle told the daytime TV chat show 'Loose Women' that 'I have to say I am entirely the culprit.'" Samantha also stated that she told her dad he needed to get in shape, and that he needed to be seen "doing good things."

Thomas Markle has received backlash from people such as Piers Morgan, the reporter from Good Morning Britain, for his involvement in the staging of the photographs, and for profiting from them.

According to BBC News, "On Monday, Mr. Markle reportedly told US celebrity news website TMZ that he would not attend the ceremony to avoid embarrassing his daughter." However, it was reported by CNN that Thomas said: "I hate the idea of missing one of the greatest moments in history and walking my daughter down the aisle..." Therefore, it seemed as if Thomas would be attending the royal wedding, but then the state of his health became a concern.

Thomas Markle's health

Just when things began to smooth over, Thomas Markle`s health became an issue. According to The Washington Post, "In the last week, TMZ reported that Markle had suffered a heart attack; checked himself out of the hospital; was recovering; was experiencing chest pains; was 'popping Valium' to calm down; was heading back to the hospital; and then on Wednesday had surgery to remove blockage and have three stents installed." After his surgery, TMZ reported that Thomas was "alert and coherent." It was reported by BBC News, that Samantha Markle stated that her father has been dealing with "unbelievable stress." Considering the popularity and the grandness of the royal wedding, it is understandable that Thomas is undergoing an incredible amount of stress.

Finally, after many days of uncertainty, Kensington Palace released a statement from Meghan on Thursday morning, May 17, 2018 about her father being unable to attend the wedding. In the statement, Markle said: “I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health.”

Even though it is sad that her father will not be able to attend, it is clear that Meghan is concerned about her father`s health and recovery. However, who will be walking Meghan down the aisle? According to BBC News: "Her mother, Doria Ragland, who arrived in the UK on Wednesday, would be one option, as would Prince Charles, Harry's father - or she could choose to walk alone." There has been no official statement yet regarding who will walk Meghan down the aisle.