Royal wedding 2018: Meghan Markle's father 'now wants to come to wedding' despite heart problems

Thomas Markle now wants to attend his daughter's wedding

Meghan Markle’s father has said he still wants to walk his daughter down the aisle despite a heart attack which saw him hospitalised days before the royal wedding.

Thomas Markle last night appeared to pull out of Ms Markle’s wedding to Prince Harry, saying he didn’t want to embarrass her following the furore over his alleged deal with a photographer.

The former Hollywood lighting director told TMZ on Tuesday that he has changed his mind, wants “to be part of history” and still hopes to attend despite doctors' wishes.

He told the celebrity news website: "I hate the idea of missing one of the greatest moments in history and walking my daughter down the aisle."

"Of course I'd walk her down the aisle. This is a historic moment. I'd like to be a part of history," he added.

However he said his heart was “seriously damaged” by a heart attack last week, and doctors are yet to give him the go ahead.

The 73-year-old is reportedly back in hospital, undergoing tests.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex: Prince Harry & Meghan Markle

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Ms Markle, 36, is said to have sent him a text expressing her love and concern for him.

When asked whether the Queen would be upset with him for pulling out the wedding, he said: "I don't think the Queen is thinking about what I'm doing."

Kensington Palace said it would not comment on the latest developments.

Royal supporters Maria Scott and Terry Hutt next to Windsor Castle ahead of the wedding
EPA

Mr Markle had previously told TMZ that he was “popping Valium” because of chest pains triggered by “emotional upset”.

He specifically mentioned his elder daughter, Samantha Grant, who has been critical of her half-sister Meghan in the weeks leading up to the royal wedding.

Mr Markle said: “I’ve been popping Valium for the pain, especially when I hear about my oldest daughter.”

The photographer scandal emerged over the weekend, when the Mail on the Sunday revealed CCTV images which showed Mr Markle meeting a photographer at an internet cafe.

A royal fan wearing a Union flag-themed suit sits by a street corner on the wedding procession route near Windsor Castle
AFP/Getty Images

The footage showed Ms Markle’s father with the photographer appearing to set up the supposedly candid shots.

Yesterday Mrs Grant took responsibility, tweeting: “The bad press over my father doing staged photos is my fault.

"The media was unfairly making him look bad so I suggested he do positive photos for his benefit and the benefit of the royal family."

Union Jack flags fly across the main shopping street in Windsor
AP

A Palace spokesman said yesterday: "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."

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

Where to watch the Royal Wedding 2018 - In pictures

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