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Meghan Markle confirms father will not attend royal wedding

By Wade Sheridan
Prince Harry (L) and Meghan Markle greet crowds before attending an event at Nottingham Contemporary for World AIDS Day on December 1. Markle has confirmed that her father Thomas Markle will be unable to attend the royal wedding as he needs to focus on his health. File Photo by Nigel Roddis/EPA-EFE
Prince Harry (L) and Meghan Markle greet crowds before attending an event at Nottingham Contemporary for World AIDS Day on December 1. Markle has confirmed that her father Thomas Markle will be unable to attend the royal wedding as he needs to focus on his health. File Photo by Nigel Roddis/EPA-EFE

May 17 (UPI) -- Meghan Markle confirmed Thursday that her father Thomas Markle will not be attending her wedding to Prince Harry on Saturday.

"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," Meghan said in a statement.

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"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 continued.

TMZ reported that Thomas underwent heart surgery on Wednesday and won't be discharged in time to make the wedding.

It was previously reported that Thomas would not be attending the wedding after it was said that he allowed a photo agency to take staged pictures of him preparing for the big day. Kensington Palace issued a statement Monday asking for understanding.

"This is a deeply personal moment for Ms. Markle in the days before her wedding," Kensington Palace said at the time.

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Harry and Meghan will marry Saturday at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in England. The ceremony begins at noon GMT, 7 a.m. EST.

The couple recently selected their bridesmaids and page boys for the ceremony which includes Harry's nephew and niece, Prince George, 4, and Princess Charlotte, 2, the children of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

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