Meghan Markle and Prince Harry may be rich and famous and gorgeous and admired…
… but they’re really just like any other couple in the days leading up to their wedding.
Which is to say: They’re dealing with some major family drama and last-minute changes to their schedule.
As previously reported, Markle’s father, Thomas, has thrown a stunning wrench into his daughter’s plans by announcing his will NOT be attending the Royal Nuptials this Saturday.
He has made this decision for two reasons:
- Thomas suffered a heart attack last week.
- Thomas has been caught in a scandal that involves him paying the paparazzi to snap flattering photos of him.
This isn’t exactly the sort of news that flies under the radar, either, not when millions of people plan on watching Markle and her Prince exchange vows in just a few days.
As a result, Kensington Palace has been forced to issue a statement in response to this development.
It reads as follows…
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.
Markle’s parents divorced when the former actress was young.
And while her mother, Doria, has already arrived for the wedding, Thomas has been living in Mexico for years now, as far away from the spotlight (and most other human beings) as possible.
Insiders say he does not want to be a part of the big day and risk embarrassing his daughter in any way.
When asked whether the “difficult situation” mentioned in the above official statement referred to the staged photo shoots or Thomas’ heart attack last week, the spokesperson said simply:
“We are not getting into further details.”
The ex-Suits star has not commented on multiple reports that her dad received money in exchange for staging paparazzi photos, but a source tells Us Weekly that Markle is well aware of the situation.
And she’s doing all she can to not let it get her down.
“Meghan is upset and disturbed by the entire ordeal and just wants to move past it,” this source says, adding:
“She doesn’t want to let anything ruin her day and is trying to keep focus on the weekend.”
With other family members also stirring up controversy at the moment, however, this focus has been difficult for Markle to maintain.
We’d have to imagine she’s very anxious for the wedding to come and go so she and Harry can just jet off on their honeymoon and get away from it all for awhile.
According to TMZ, Thomas’ cancelation came as a shock to the couple.
A security detail had already been planned for Meghan’s dad, along with accommodations and access to various events.
At this point, the question of just who will walk Markle down the aisle remains a mystery — but most folks assume the vital job will go to her mother.
Doria Ragland will be staying at a hotel with her daughter the night before the ceremony.
They will then travel together by car to St. George’s Chapel, where an event anticipated by people who really need to get lives about half of the free world will at last take place.
Will you be tuning in for it?
