Let’s talk about Meghan Markle for a moment. The whole world is cheering for her as she prepares to marry Prince Harry, but there’s a heavy cloud hanging over this joyous occasion. Just days before her big day, Meghan had to issue a statement through Kensington Palace on May 17, 2018, regarding her father, Thomas Markle Sr. It’s not the news anyone wanted to hear, especially not Meghan.
“I’m really heartbroken about this,” Meghan said in her statement. “Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding. I’ve always cared deeply for my dad, and I hope he can find the peace and space he needs to focus on his health. I want to thank everyone who has sent such kind and supportive messages. Please know how much Harry and I are looking forward to sharing this special day with all of you.”
A statement from Ms. Meghan Markle: pic.twitter.com/TjBNarmuBU
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It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions for Thomas. Just a few days earlier, on May 15, he had expressed hope that he would be able to make it to the wedding after initially saying he wouldn’t attend due to a recent heart attack. But later that evening, Thomas revealed that he would no longer be able to travel to Windsor, England, because he was undergoing heart surgery. “Doctors are going to go in and clear the blockage, repair the damage, and put a stent where it’s needed,” Thomas told TMZ, adding that the surgery was scheduled for early the next morning on May 16.
Thomas spoke candidly about his feelings, expressing how much he hates the idea of missing such a monumental moment in his daughter’s life. He had hoped to escort Meghan down the aisle, but his health took a turn for the worse. Meghan, showing her love and concern, called her dad on May 14 after hearing about his health issues. Even though Thomas couldn’t answer the call, Meghan followed up with a heartfelt text message letting him know how much she loves him and is worried about his well-being.
Amidst all this, sources close to Meghan and Harry say the couple is experiencing mixed emotions. “This is a serious situation,” a source told Entertainment Tonight on May 16. “Meghan and Harry are very concerned about Thomas’ health, and they’re trying to balance that with the excitement of starting their life together. It’s a lot to process right now.”
Earlier, on May 15, TMZ reported that Meghan, Prince Harry, and Kensington Palace were caught off guard by Thomas’ decision not to attend the wedding. In response to the drama, the palace released a statement asking for understanding and respect for Thomas during this difficult time. “This is a deeply personal moment for Ms. Markle in the days leading up to her wedding,” the statement read. “She and Harry ask for understanding and respect to be extended to Mr. Markle as he navigates this challenging situation.”
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The drama doesn’t stop there. Thomas admitted to staging paparazzi photos in recent months, showing him reading books about Britain and searching Google for articles about his daughter. He told TMZ that he didn’t mean any harm to Meghan or the royal family when he agreed to let a photo agency take these pictures. His intention, he said, was to improve his public image. Now, however, Thomas says he deeply regrets the staged photos, calling them “stupid and hammy.”
Thomas initially stated that he wouldn’t attend the wedding because he didn’t want to embarrass Meghan or the royal family. But just days before, a source close to Meghan told People that her relationship with her dad had been improving after years of ups and downs. “Meghan loves her dad,” the source said. “Like any father-daughter relationship, there have been ups and downs over the years. But they’ve been in a good place recently.”
Scroll down to learn more about Meghan’s dad, Thomas.
Will Thomas Markle Sr. Walk Meghan Markle Down the Aisle?
Unfortunately, it looks like that won’t happen. Earlier this year, it was reported that Thomas was thrilled at the idea of walking his daughter down the aisle. “Thomas Markle Sr. is overjoyed to be beside his little girl on the day she becomes a princess—even if he has to battle his demons to get there,” a source told The Sun. “He’s not exactly thrilled at facing the world’s glare. But nothing will stop him from having Meghan on his arm for the big day.”
Meghan was equally excited about this possibility. “She’s told Harry that she wants her dad to walk her down the aisle. Harry is totally supportive and will go along with whatever Meghan wants, even if the palace might not like it,” a source told Life & Style. Now, though, those plans have changed, and it’s heartbreaking for everyone involved.
How Does Thomas Markle Sr. Feel About Meghan Marrying Prince Harry?
Thomas seems genuinely thrilled about the match. When the engagement was first announced in November, Thomas released a statement alongside Meghan’s mom, Doria Ragland. “Our daughter has always been a kind and loving person,” they said. “To see her union with Harry, who shares the same qualities, is a source of great joy for us as parents.”
How Old Is Thomas Markle Sr.?
Thomas was born in 1945, which puts him in his mid-70s today. He’s about four years older than Harry’s father, Prince Charles, who is 69 years old. It’s clear that Thomas has faced his fair share of challenges, but his resilience is evident in how he’s handled them.
