Thomas Markle on Royal Wedding: Meghan Markle's dad says 'my baby looks beautiful' as he watches ceremony from California

Meghan Markle's father said "my baby looks beautiful" as he watched her marry Prince Harry from California where he is recovering from heart surgery.

Thomas Markle Sr was unable to attend the wedding of his daughter to Prince Harry following heart surgery on Wednesday which saw him have three stents fitted.

As the eyes of the world were on Windsor, 73-year-old Mr Markle looked on from California where he was recovering from the procedure.

Speaking to celebrity website, TMZ, he said: "My baby looks beautiful and she looks very happy.

"I wish I were there and I wish them all my love and all happiness."

He said the ceremony was "emotional and joyful" as he watched from the west coast.

Mr Markle pulled out of the wedding voicing concerns he would embarrass his daughter or the royal family in the wake of a scandal involving photographs allegedly posed for a paparazzi.

He then said he would attend but was struck down by ill health, undergoing surgery a week after suffering a heart attack.

In his absence Meghan was met halfway down the aisle by Prince Charles who accompanied her to the altar.

The crowd roared as Harry and Meghan emerged from St George's Chapel and kissed at the top of the steps.

They took a short trip through Windsor in a horse-drawn carriage, to the delight of thousands of well-wishers.

The couple, now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, travelled through Windsor in the Ascot Landau carriage before looping back to Windsor Castle for their reception.

Additional reporting by the Press Association