Meghan Markle will not be walked down the aisle by her father after all. The American actress and soon-to-be British royal confirmed in a statement on Thursday morning (May 17) that her father, Thomas Markle, will not be on hand on Saturday (May 19) when she weds Britain’s Prince Harry at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
“Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding,” read the tweeted statement from Kensington Palace. “I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health.”
A statement from Ms. Meghan Markle: pic.twitter.com/TjBNarmuBU
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 17, 2018
The confirmation comes after days of back-and-forth speculation about whether 73-year-old Thomas Markle would be by his daughter’s side at the highly anticipated nuptials following controversy over his reported staging of paparazzi-style photos in which he appeared to be prepping for the ceremony. Meanwhile, CNN reported that Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, arrived in London on Wednesday and will likely play a part on the procession.
Following the revelation over the photos, Thomas Markle first said he’d skip the wedding to save his daughter potential embarrassment, then appeared to change his mind and finally was scratched following chest pains and subsequent heart surgery. Markle’s half-sister, Samantha, 53, later said she was the one who urged her dad to take the photos and will also likely not be in attendance amid reports that she broke her ankle and knee in a car crash during a paparazzi incident near her home in Florida on Wednesday.
But you know who will be there for sure? More than 250 members of the Armed Forces, including regiments and units with a special relationship to Prince Harry.
More than 250 members of the Armed Forces will provide ceremonial support at the #RoyalWedding, including regiments and units with a special relationship with Prince Harry. pic.twitter.com/O9tT0cVKC2
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 17, 2018
Rehearsing for the #RoyalWedding: Members of the Armed Forces were among those taking part in a dress rehearsal of the carriage procession through Windsor Town and The Long Walk today. pic.twitter.com/vg7QMVNrt6
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 17, 2018
As will the St. George’s Chapel Choir.
Led by Director James Vivian, the St. George’s Chapel Choir were in rehearsal for the wedding of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle yesterday. #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/jAORFeV6Ca
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 17, 2018
And pollinator-friendly plants.
We’re incorporating pollinator-friendly plants as part of the displays in and around St George’s Chapel for the #RoyalWedding.
Watch conservation expert Dr. Alice Laughton and @TheRoyalParks Gardener Mike Jones speak about the plants being grown for the displays. pic.twitter.com/EofKbNivoP
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 16, 2018
And Elton John, who is reportedly slated to serenade the couple.
And a gang of bridesmaids and page boys, including Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cmabridge (age 3), Miss Florence van Cutsem (3, Prince Harry’s goddaughter), Miss Remi Litt (6, Markle’s goddaughter), Miss Rylan Litt (7, Markle’s goddaughter), Miss Ivy Mulroney (4), Miss Zalie Warren (2, Harry’s goddaughter), His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge (4), Master Jasper Dyer (6, Harry’s godson), Master Brian Mulroney (7) and Master John Mulroney (7).
Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle have chosen the Bridesmaids and Page Boys for their Wedding on Saturday 19th May #RoyalWedding: https://t.co/fRX7IA5Cn9
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 16, 2018