Meghan Markle’s dad is having heart surgery

Meghan Markle attends an Anzac Day dawn service with Britain’s Prince Harry, at Hyde Park Corner in London, Wednesday, April 25, 2018. ANZAC Day commemorates the moment when Australian and New Zealand Army Corps troops waded ashore at the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey 103 years ago in their first major battle of World War I. (Tolga Akmen/Pool Photo via AP)

Meghan Markle and her mom Doria Ragland. (C) Getty Images

Meghan Markle’s dad will miss his daughter’s wedding to Prince Harry, as he is due to undergo heart surgery this week.

Although her father Thomas Markle is supposed to be walking her down the aisle on her big day, it has been reported he won’t be able to attend the ceremony as he’s due to undergo major heart surgery on Wednesday, May 16.

Thomas, 73, was reported to have pulled out of the wedding earlier this week before he claimed that he would be doing his best to make it to his daughter’s nuptials, but it now seems as though he’s officially had to cancel his flight to England.

Meghan Markle and her mom (C) Getty Images

According to TMZ, Thomas is due to undergo surgery at 7:30am on Wednesday, and won’t be fit for Meghan and Harry’s wedding four days later.

He told the publication: “They [doctors] will go in and clear blockage, repair damage and put a stent where it is needed.”

Meghan Markle wedding — Picture: Alexi Lubomirski

The news comes after Thomas said he “hates” the idea of missing out on his daughter’s big day, and wants to make the trip to England to “be a part of history” by giving his daughter away during the ceremony at St George’s Chapel inside Windsor Castle.

“I hate the idea of missing one of the greatest moments in history and walking my daughter down the aisle. Of course I’d walk her down the aisle. This is a historic moment. I’d like to be a part of history.”

Thomas Markle

Previously, Kensington Palace issued a statement appealing for “understanding” following the “deeply personal issue” of Thomas’ attendance.

They wrote: “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.”

Kensington Palace

As of the time of writing, it is believed Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, could be walking her down the aisle in place of Thomas, but it has also been speculated that either Harry’s father, Prince Charles, or his older brother, Prince William – who is serving as his sibling’s Best Man – could take on the role.