Meghan's sadness as she confirms father will miss her wedding

Meghan Markle's father will not be attending her wedding to Prince Harry, the American star has confirmed.

In a statement released by Kensington Palace, the bride-to-be spoke of her sadness that Thomas Markle would miss her big day.

Joseph Afrane from London outside Windsor Castle, Berkshire ahead of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle this weekendplaceholder image
Joseph Afrane from London outside Windsor Castle, Berkshire ahead of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle this weekend

"Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding," Meghan said.

"I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health.

Mounted police before an armed forces parade rehearsal in Windsor, Berkshire ahead of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle this weekendplaceholder image
Mounted police before an armed forces parade rehearsal in Windsor, Berkshire ahead of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle this weekend

"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."

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.

Prince Harry and Meghanplaceholder image
Prince Harry and Meghan

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.

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