Meghan Markle’s father will not attend her wedding to Prince Harry, Kensington Palace has announced. In a statement issued on her behalf on Thursday after days of speculation, Markle said: “Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding. I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health.

“I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous messages of support. Please know how much Harry and I look forward to sharing our special day with you on Saturday.”  Thomas Markle Sr, 73, had been due to walk his daughter down the aisle at St George’s chapel.

He reportedly underwent heart surgery on Wednesday, according to the US celebrity website TMZ, through which he appears to be communicating. TMZ reported that he was “alert and coherent” after doctors implanted three stents. It quoted him as saying: “I’m OK. It will take a long time to heal. Staying in the hospital a few more days. Not allowed to get excited.”

Doubts about whether he would attend were first raised on Monday, when he reportedly said he would not be there because he was embarrassed over claims he had colluded with a photo agency to stage paparazzi pictures of himself preparing for the event. It was also reported he had suffered a heart attack last week. At the time Kensington Palace appealed for respect and understanding towards him. His daughter was understood to still be hoping he would change his mind.(theguardian)…[+]