Meghan Markle is reportedly devastated that her father will no longer be attending the Royal Wedding, days after suffering a heart attack and staging paparazzi photos of himself.
According to sources close to the future Royal, Markle is "heart broken" and "devastated" as she pleads with her father Thomas to still attend and give her away on the big day.
Former Hollywood lighting director exclusively told gossip site TMZ that he will not be walking his daughter down the aisle on Saturday.
Then Kensington Palace confirmed that Thomas will not be attending:
A statement from Ms. Meghan Markle: pic.twitter.com/TjBNarmuBU
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 17, 2018
The controversial revelation comes just days after The Mail on Sunday published photos of the Emmy-winning crewman apparently staging for paparazzi photos depicting him "preparing for the wedding".
The news source claims that the photos earned him up to £100,000.
Markle's estranged half-sister Samantha Markle soon came out and took the fall. Samantha, who is not invited to the wedding, said that the images weren't about the money - it was to try and convey Thomas excited to join his daughter in Britain.
The staged photos show Thomas, who lives in Rosarito, Mexico, getting fitted for his tux, reading a book on Britain, and reading news stories about his daughter and future son-in-law.
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Thomas confirmed this to TMZ and also revealed that he suffered a heart attack six days ago.
He told TMZ that he made the decision after being stalked and ambushed by paparazzi over the past year. The snappers have caught him off guard in multiple scenarios such as buying beer, and generally looking disheveled.
He told the outlet that he has been particularly embarrassed by the images making him "look like a lush" as he "doesn't even drink beer" and was buying it for the guards at the place where he lives.
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Retiree Thomas (73) confirmed that a paparazzi agency approached him, offered him money, and he figured there was no harm in it as it could help recast his image.
After the Mail on Sunday exposé, he has now stated that he will not attend the Royal Wedding for fear he has embarrassed his 36-year-old daughter and the Royal Family.
While the former Suits actress deals with the anguish and tries to make amends with her dad, a Kensington Palace spokesman said in a statement, “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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According to Vanity Fair, if Thomas refuses to show face, Markle's mother Doria Ragland could walk her down the aisle.
"There is no royal protocol to prevent Doria Ragland, Meghan’s mother, from walking her daughter down the aisle. Kensington Palace has confirmed Doria will be escorting Meghan on her journey from Clivedon Hotel to Windsor Castle for the wedding," the website writes.
Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle have asked that The Most Reverend Michael Bruce Curry, the 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church, give the address at their wedding : https://t.co/a14L7JGcAd #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/njqCaN55Gr
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 12, 2018
However, a Royal expert told the publication that Prince Charles may have to step in to perform the duty.
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