Meghan Markle's dad 'wont attend wedding because he's having minor heart surgery'

Meghan Markle’s father will not walk his daughter down the aisle because he is scheduled to undergo a heart operation, it is claimed.

Thomas Markle reportedly suffered a heart attack last week and is believed to be undergoing surgery in the US on Wednesday morning, meaning he will miss his daughter’s marriage to Prince Harry on Saturday.

He reportedly told TMZ: ‘They (doctors) will go in and clear blockage, repair damage and put a stent where it is needed.’

The news comes after Mr Markle previously claimed that he was determined to make his daughter’s wedding, telling the site: ‘I’d like to be a part of history.’

The former lighting director’s attendance at the Windsor Castle ceremony has been placed under intense scrutiny, after it emerged that he appeared in a series of ‘mocked up’ photographs printed in British newspapers.

In the staged photos, he was seen preparing for the big day – undertaking activities such as being fitted for a suit and researching the royal family on Google.

On Monday, he reportedly missed a call from his daughter, who told him she loved him and was concerned about his health.

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Despite her parents divorcing when she was six, Markle has remained close to her father.

Mr Markle told TMZ that his daughter harbours no ill will about his collusion with the paparazzi, and played down the Queen’s interest in events.

‘I don’t think the Queen is thinking about what I’m doing.’

He had previously been due to meet the monarch in the days leading up to the wedding at St George’s Chapel.

‘This is a deeply personal moment for Ms Markle in the days before her wedding’, said a statement from Kensington Palace on Monday night.

‘She and Prince Harry ask again for understanding and respect to be extended to Mr Markle in this difficult situation.’

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