MARK AND RIDE
Meghan Markle’s dad Thomas Markle pictured for first time since her stunning Royal Wedding
THOMAS Markle Sr was back in Mexico last night – pictured returning home to his house in the seaside resort of Rosarito.
Meghan's dad, 73, had said he watched the royal wedding in California, while recovering from heart surgery.
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How the Royal Wedding unfolded...
- Meghan wore Diana’s ring as Harry drove the pair to their star-studded reception after tying the knot
- Meghan changed out of her Givenchy wedding dress into a bespoke lily white high-neck silk crepe gown by Stella McCartney for the party
- Celebrities including George and Amal Clooney, the Beckhams and Oprah Winfrey partied the night away at the lavish bash
- Elton John entertained guests by singing his hit songs ‘Tiny Dancer’, ‘Your Song’ and ‘Circle of Life’ at the party
- Prince Charles ‘had reception guests in stitches’ with gags about changing Harry’s nappy before a glittering firework display
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle earlier sealed their marriage with a kiss after a groundbreaking modern Royal Wedding
- Meghan stunned in a Givenchy gown with a 15ft veil embroidered with flowers for the ceremony
- Princess Charlotte and Prince George melted hearts with their outfits for the big day
- At the ceremony American Bishop Michael Curry stole the show with an eccentric speech
Thomas, 73, did not attend the Royal Wedding in Windsor after complaining of a heart condition.
In new photographs, her dad was seen speaking and laughing with an unidentified pal in a gold coloured people-carrier.
He has been staying with friends since being released from hospital.
Meghan did not speak to her dad on the day of the Royal Wedding after he pulled out at the last minute, according to US reports.
The "devastated" Duchess of Sussex was said to be in tears when her dad Thomas Markle quit the star-studded ceremony at Windsor due to health problems.
It is believed he texted his bride-to-be daughter on the morning of her nuptials, telling her that he "loved her".
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But according to the Duchess did not reply.
The revelation comes after it was reported that Meghan sent a text to her dad last week offering her "love and support" and said she was concerned for his health.
It is now understood Prince Harry and Meghan are due to meet Thomas in Mexico after their honeymoon.
The royal couple wed on Saturday in a modern ceremony in St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.
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Watch highlights of Royal Wedding as millions in the UK and across the world celebrate the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
It was originally announced that the 36-year-old US actress would be walked down the aisle by her dad, only for him to back out the week before her big day.
Award-winning former lighting director Thomas planned to make the trip to Windsor from Mexico, where he is spending his retirement.
But he suffered a heart attack after falling ill and on May 14 it was announced that he would be checking back into hospital.
In a further twist, the following day Thomas then told TMZ that he did want to attend the wedding – although admitted his doctors might not let him travel due to recent health scares.
However, the US showbiz site later reported his hopes were in vain, with Meghan's dad set to undergo heart surgery.
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Thomas had previously caused a stir in the weeks leading up to the wedding after it was revealed that he had staged paparazzi photos that sold for £100,000.
He later branded the move "stupid" and "hammy", claiming he arranged the photos to rebuild his image in the run-up to the Royal Wedding.
Despite the embarrassing incident, Meghan stood by her dad, but confirmed on May 17 that "sadly" he would not be at her wedding.
The Duchess said she hoped he could be "given the space he needs to focus on his health".
She was said to be distraught that her dad could not make it and broke down during the wedding rehearsal.
Instead Prince Charles walked the beautiful bride down the aisle, with her mother Doria Ragland sat alone at the ceremony.
Her dad watched on TV across the Atlantic and later told the US press that he thought Meghan looked "beautiful" and wished he could have been there.
He told TMZ: "My baby girl is a duchess and I love her so much.
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The Queen leaves Windsor Castle to go to church after yesterday's Royal Wedding
"When you watch your child get married, every thought goes through your mind, every memory from the first day she was born, the first time I held her."
He then added that the royal couple should be left alone to go on a "nice honeymoon" and told members of his family that had criticised Meghan to "shut up".
Thousands flocked to Windsor to take part in the wedding celebrations, while millions of others tuned in to watch the ceremony unfold on TV.
The wedding featured a rip-roaring sermon from an American preacher and a moving rendition of Stand By Me by a black gospel choir.
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The Rev Michael Curry, the first presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church in New York, moved millions watching the ceremony as he spoke about the power of love.
Harry and Meghan gazed at each other during the ceremony, with Meghan wowing in her spectacular gown by designer Clare Waight Keller of Givenchy.
She teamed it with a dazzling Mary Diamond Bandeau tiara – loaned to her by the Queen.
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