Meghan Markle's dad 'pulls out of royal wedding days after suffering heart attack'

Thomas Markle reportedly suffered a heart attack six days ago
Tim Stewart / Splash

Kensington Palace has asked for "understanding" amid reports that Meghan Markle’s father has pulled out of the royal wedding.

Thomas Markle was set to fly from his home in Mexico to walk his daughter down the aisle in Saturday’s ceremony.

However, according to US news site TMZ, he has decided not to come because he “does not want to embarrass the Royal Family or his daughter”.

It comes after allegations he staged paparazzi pictures in the run-up to the wedding, including shots of him reading about his daughter and Prince Harry online in an internet cafe.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will marry in Windsor on Saturday
Getty Images

TMZ also reported that Mr Markle suffered a heart attack six days ago but checked himself out of hospital in order to attend the wedding despite his ill health.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: "This is a deeply personal moment for Ms Markle in the days before her wedding," said a palace spokesman.

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

Earlier on Monday, Thomas Markle Jr, Meghan's half-brother, said his father planned to apologise privately to the couple over the paparazzi pictures.

Thomas Markle was due to walk his daughter down the aisle on Saturday

He also jumped to his father’s defence claiming the family had felt “intense pressure” following the announcement of the couple’s engagement.

The accusations come after images emerged of Mr Markle Snr seemingly looking at pictures of the Royal couple in an internet café and being fitted for a suit.

The Mail on Sunday published CCTV footage of Ms Markle’s father with a photographer appearing to set up the supposedly candid shots.

Meghan's half-sister Samantha took the blame for the pictures on ITV's Loose Women, saying she wanted to present a "positive" image of her father.

Prince Harry and Ms Markle will marry on Saturday at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Royal Wedding Preparations

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Ms Markle’s relatives have publicly complained about not being involved in the celebrations with Mr Markle Jnr penning an open letter begging for an invitation.

Some 600 guests will attend ceremony while 1,200 members of the public have been invited into the grounds of Windsor Castle on the big day.

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