Meghan Markle confirms father will not attend royal wedding
Meghan Markle has confirmed that her father will not be attending her wedding to Prince Harry on Saturday.
In a statement issued through Kensington Palace, Meghan 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."
It came as the pair arrived in Windsor on Thursday, two days ahead of the big day.
On Wednesday, Ms Markle's mother, Doria Ragland arrived in the UK from America, and met Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall for tea at Clarence House.
ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship reported that the meeting went well.
On Thursday she met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte.
Ms Ragland is to meet the Queen on Friday at Windsor Castle, along with her daughter and soon to be son-in-law.
A further statement is planned outlining who will take Thomas Markle's place to walk Meghan down the aisle, ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship reports.
Mr Markle is still in Mexico where he is recovering after undergoing heart surgery on Wednesday to implant three stents.
The reclusive former TV lighting director, who had been due to walk his daughter down the aisle, was caught up in controversy after allegedly being caught staging photographs with the paparazzi.
He reportedly pulled out of attending the ceremony in St George's Chapel on May 19 to avoid embarrassing his daughter, but then later said before his surgery that he wanted to be part of history and hoped to be there, celebrity website TMZ revealed.
Despite her parents divorcing when she was six, Ms Markle has remained close to her father.
When she lived with her mother Doria Ragland in Los Angeles, the actress spent a great deal of time with Mr Markle who now lives in Mexico.
At the time, Mr Markle told the TMZ site his daughter harbours no ill feelings towards him over the alleged collusion with the paparazzi agency, and he said about the Queen’s interest in events: "I don’t think the Queen is thinking about what I’m doing."