Meghan Markle's sadness over father's wedding absence
Prince Harry's fiancee confirms that her father will not attend her wedding, while her mother meets Charles and Camilla for tea.
Thursday 17 May 2018 22:57, UK
Meghan Markle has confirmed that her father will not be at the royal wedding on Saturday.
She issued a statement just two days ahead of the ceremony, and hours before she and Harry attended Windsor Castle for what is believed to have been a wedding rehearsal.
She 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."
Thomas Markle reportedly underwent heart surgery this week and is believed to be recuperating in hospital.
Ms Markle added a note of thanks to the public who have been sharing messages of support for the couple and their families.
:: Who's going to Harry and Meghan's wedding?
"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," she said.
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Meanwhile, she and her husband-to-be Prince Harry were seen heading into Windsor Castle and leaving later. It is thought they held a rehearsal for Saturday's ceremony.
And earlier today, Ms Markle's mother Doria Ragland met the in-laws at a tea with the engaged couple, Charles and Camilla, William and Kate and Prince George and Princess Charlotte at Clarence House - their first family get-together.
The Queen will meet Ms Ragland tomorrow, with Harry and Meghan alongside her, Kensington Palace has confirmed.
The Queen was seen in Windsor today being driven along the Long Walk. The royal standard is flying above Windsor Castle, indicating that the Queen is in residence there.
Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, 73, will not be travelling from his home in Mexico for the wedding.
He allegedly staged paparazzi photographs of himself and since the allegations emerged he has reportedly undergone surgery after suffering a heart attack.
:: Sky News is broadcasting live from Windsor with all the build-up to the royal wedding, with exclusive live coverage of the wedding in UHD in a special programme from 9am to 3pm on Sky News and Sky One this Saturday.