MEGHAN’S PLEA TO PA
Meghan Markle ‘pleads with dad Thomas to change his mind’ and walk her down the aisle after being left devastated when he pulled out of Royal Wedding
MEGHAN Markle has pleaded with her dad to change his mind and walk her down the aisle when she weds Prince Harry on Saturday.
Thomas Markle, 73, said he will not be attending his daughter's royal wedding after being embarrassed by the "stupid and hammy" photographs he staged with the paparazzi.
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The decision by the US actress' dad has thrown Kensington Palace into chaos just days before the wedding of the year - with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle said to be devastated over his no-show.
A source told The Sun: “Meghan is devastated and wants her father to be there. They’re trying to work this out so he will come after all.”
Prince Harry is also said to be blaming himself over the last-minute hitch - upset that he has not been able to protect his fiancée and her family from the glare of the media spotlight.
The loved-up couple, who will tie the knot this Saturday at St George's chapel, have reportedly been trying to contact Thomas to talk about his decision, but haven't been able to speak with him.
What we know so far...
- Meghan Markle's dad Thomas wants to attend the royal wedding - but doctors might not let him
- He'd earlier said he wouldn't be attending for fear of embarrassing Meghan and the royal family over staged paparazzi photos
- The 73-year-old, who'd also suffered a heart scare, had backed Meghan's mum Doria Ragland to give her away instead after he pulled out
- Prince Harry was said to blame himself for the upset just days before the wedding
- But despite the chaos Kensington Palace sources said the wedding would still go ahead
- Piers Morgan slammed Meghan's half-sister Samantha, saying she had been a media "vulture", after she appeared on GMB to defend her dad
The complete timeline of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's relationship
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The recluse, who has been living in Mexico, had been expected to fly into London this week to meet the Queen and the royal family before the big day.
But he confirmed to US website that he had been hurt both physically and emotionally by the ordeal - admitting that he thought the posed pictures were embarrassing.
It was last night revealed that he was going to check back into hospital after more chest pains, having suffered a heart attack six days ago.
And instead of walking his daughter down the aisle, Thomas has reportedly suggested his ex-wife and Meghan's mother Doria Ragland should instead take on the role.
10 reasons why we love Meghan Markle
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Ladbrokes has since put it at 4/6 odds that Doria will be by Meghan's side, while Prince Charles is tipped at 2/1.
The Duke of Cambridge has also been tipped to step up to the plate, with 5/1 odds of walking Meghan down the aisle.
Thomas admitted in an interview with TMZ that he did a deal with a photo agency to take pictures of him, saying he meant “no harm.”
Kensington Palace said last night: “This is a deeply personal moment for Ms Markle in the days before her wedding.
“She and Prince Harry ask again for understanding and respect to be extended to Mr Markle in this difficult situation.”
The photographs showed him in Rosarito reading a book on British history, working out with weights, being measured for a wedding suit and looking up Harry and Meghan at an internet café.
The pictures were sold around the world — before the Mail On Sunday revealed they had been staged.
His confession is embarrassing for Kensington Palace, which had issued strong legal letters in an attempt to protect Thomas’s privacy.
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A pal of the Prince's told : "The couple have been doing everything they can to help him.
"This is not what she wants. She obviously wants her dad there. And the idea of contemplating him not being there now is not something that she wants to have to do.
"He [Harry] is devastated. He feels like this is another thing in the wake of him... the problems he causes. He feels that anyone who gets associated with his life - this is the price they have to pay.
"He wants to protect her and this is really difficult for him to swallow."
Son Thomas Jr, 51, told : “Meg will be frantic, she’ll want to know how he is. I’m deeply concerned about him.
"As much as he was dreading all eyes being on him he will not want to cause any embarrassment or deflect attention away from Meghan and Harry’s day.
“He’ll be devastated not to be going but also relieved.”
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Samantha Markle this morning spoke to Good Morning Britain, saying she hoped that her father would be able to attend the royal wedding.
Ms Markle has previously claimed that staged photographs of her father sold to news outlets around the world in the run-up to the wedding were her idea and an attempt to change Thomas' public image.
Speaking on ITV's Loose Women, she said: "I'm entirely the culprit. I said to him to show the world 'I'm getting in shape and getting healthy' so I suggested it to benefit him and the Royal family'."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have selected the Ascot Landau carriage for their procession through Windsor Town after their wedding
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