CRYING SHAME
Meghan Markle left ‘in tears’ over dad’s ’embarrassing’ Royal Wedding drama
MEGHAN Markle was left in tears after it was revealed her dad had posed for staged paparazzi photos, it has been claimed.
But the bride-to-be is "holding up" and still loves her dad despite Thomas Markle throwing her wedding plans to Prince Harry into chaos just days before the ceremony.
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Sean Mandell, who has been speaking directly to Thomas Markle, said the father and daughter had not yet spoken in full about the staged snaps - with the actress instead simply conveying her love for her 73-year-old dad.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain this morning, Sean said: "She is holding up, from what I've been told. It has been a tearful, at times, and a trying time for her."
What we know so far...
- Meghan Markle's dad Thomas is recovering for major heart surgery after confirming he WON'T attend the Royal Wedding on Saturday
- 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 suffered a heart scare last week which he has reportedly blamed on an open letter by his son Tom Jr - who has since said he's "mortified"
- Samantha Markle, Meghan's half-sister, has slammed claims Kensington Palace is supporting their dad in hospital before she was injured in a car crash on Wednesday
- Mr Markle backed Meghan's mum Doria Ragland to give her away in his stead
- Mum Doria is said to not be on speaking terms with her ex-husband, angry his family has been trashing Meghan
- The bride's best friend Jessica Mulroney jetted into London Heathrow with her kids
- Kensington Palace announced that Prince George and Princess Charlotte would be among the bridesmaids and page boys at the wedding
- Elton John will reportedly perform at Meghan and Harry's wedding
He said that sources close to the bride had said she was "embarrassed" after the revelations that her dad had posed for the photos, but still loved him.
Sean pointed out Meghan's strength, saying: "She's no stranger to having to deal with hard moments in her life."
Meghan Markle’s family – from dad Thomas and half-sister Samantha Grant to the nephews
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The journalist said he had spoken to Thomas Markle Sr after he underwent successful heart surgery, with the dad saying he was going "OK".
But he said the recluse, who lives in Mexico, is unlikely to make it to the big day to walk his daughter down the aisle at St George's Chapel in Windsor.
He said: "I do get the sense he does want to be reunited with Meghan.
"He told us he wanted to be there."
Meghan Markle’s dad Thomas to undergo heart operation and will miss Royal Wedding
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He added: "He had a change of heart on Tuesday of this week actually, that after speaking with Meghan over text that he felt that he had prematurely maybe made the decision to pull out of the wedding.
"And he had originally felt it would be better for him not to be at the wedding because it would cause further embarrassment, he thought, for the Royal family, and for Meghan, which is the last thing he wanted.
"But at the end of the day he realised, I'm a father, and I want to be there for my daughter, and I want to be part of history.
"Ultimately his health prevented him from being able to do that."
Kensington Palace today would not confirm Meghan's reaction to the controversy.
They had previously released a statement, saying: "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."
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Thomas Markle has previously blamed his health woes on his son Thomas Markle Jr, saying that the open letter that his son wrote to Prince Harry - blasting the upcoming wedding as a "fake fairy tale" - had caused his heart attack.
Thomas Markle Jr has since backtracked on his claims, overnight saying that his sister was the "best thing to happen to the royals".
Meghan's support system has since rushed to be by her side in the lead up to the wedding.
Her mum Doria yesterday landed in London, with the 61-year-old yoga instructor now tipped to walk Meghan down the aisle.
A source told the Sun: “Meghan is holding up OK but she has a lot on her plate.
“She doesn’t really know what to make of her dad’s behaviour. But she still loves him and is concerned for his health. It’s a very complicated situation but she’s really pleased to see her mum."
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Doria has met Harry several times and they get on like a house on fire.
Meghan's best friend Jessica Mulroney also arrived in the UK this week, with the Canadian socialite's children yesterday revealed to be bridesmaids and pageboys in the upcoming wedding.
Kensington Palace confirmed that Meghan had been depending on her close-knit group of friends while planning the wedding, saying: "They have all been actively involved in helping her prepare and will be there with her to celebrate on the day."
Take a look inside Cliveden House & Pavilion Spa where Meghan Markle will sleep the night before her wedding
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