
Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle's father, has reportedly changed his mind about wanting to attend the royal wedding (opens in new tab). However, now the 73-year-old is having health issues that could prevent him from having a choice in the matter. Thomas told TMZ in a new interview (opens in new tab) that he believes that staging the paparazzi photos of himself was "stupid" and now "hates the idea of missing one of the greatest moments in history and walking my daughter down the aisle."
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According to TMZ (opens in new tab), Thomas is "back in the hospital (opens in new tab) after experiencing serious chest pains and doctors are performing a battery of tests on him. His heart was 'seriously damaged' after his heart attack a week ago."
"Meghan tried calling him Monday, but he was not near his phone. She followed up with a text telling him she loved him and was concerned about his health. He says she harbors no ill feelings toward him for making a deal with a paparazzi agency to stage photos of him getting ready for the wedding."
If the doctors let him out of the hospital, Meghan's dad will now apparently fly to the U.K. to accompany her on her special day. Otherwise, he may have to miss out on what he calls "a historic moment in history" that he'd "like to be a part of."
To recap: On May 4, Kensington Palace announced (opens in new tab) Meghan's father would walk her down the aisle on her big day. But then, over the weekend news broke (opens in new tab) that Thomas Markle received money from the paparazzi to take photos of him surfing the web for pictures of his daughter and Prince Harry, getting measured for a suit, and working out ahead of the big day. After that news went public, Thomas decided yesterday not to go (opens in new tab) to the wedding "because he doesn't want to embarrass the royal family or his daughter." Meghan has reportedly been very upset (opens in new tab), and Kensington Palace released the following statement (opens in new tab):
"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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Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.
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