PHOTOS: Meghan Markle all smiles with Prince Harry as couple arrive for Royal Wedding rehearsal
MEGHAN Markle beamed today as she arrived in Windsor with Prince Harry just hours after confirming her dad won’t be coming to the Royal Wedding.
The loved-up pair were driven into the town this afternoon – with the bride-to-be looking in good spirits despite a rocky build up to their big day.
The couple, who will tie the knot at St George’s Chapel on Saturday, were seen arriving at Windsor Castle to rehearse the event that has largely been crowned the wedding of the year.
Meghan managed to stay cool despite having just hours before confirmed her father Thomas Markle would not be walking her down the aisle, saying that he instead needed to “focus on his health” after undergoing heart surgery.
What we know so far…
- Meghan Markle today confirmed her dad would not be at her wedding as he continues to recover from major heart surgery
- Thomas Markle had earlier said he wouldn’t be attending for fear of embarrassing Meghan and the royal family over staged paparazzi photos
- The 73-year-old suffered a heart scare last week which he has reportedly blamed on an open letter by his son Tom Jr – who has since said he’s “mortified”
- Samantha Markle, Meghan’s half-sister, has slammed claims Kensington Palace is supporting their dad in hospital before she was injured in a car crash on Wednesday
- Mr Markle backed Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland to give her away in his stead
- Mum Doria is said to not be on speaking terms with her ex-husband, angry his family has been trashing Meghan
- The bride’s best friend Jessica Mulroney jetted into London Heathrow with her kids
- Kensington Palace announced that Prince George and Princess Charlotte would be among the bridesmaids and page boys at the wedding
- Elton John will reportedly perform at Meghan and Harry’s wedding
The 36-year-old bride-to-be, who had been left “tearful” over the wedding fiasco, had this afternoon released the extraordinary statement that appeared to be aimed at her family, who had previously criticised her and Kensington Palace officials for not supporting her dad ahead of the big day.
It is yet to be confirmed who will walk Meghan down the aisle, but it is widely believed the US actress will have her mum Doria Ragland by her side, with the yoga instructor mum having flown into London yesterday.
In her emotionally-charged statement today, Meghan 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.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were also seen heading to the rehearsal, with it the first time since Kate Middleton has been seen since the birth of their third child Prince Louis.
Meghan is surrounded by the Royal Family ahead of her big day, with her own father yet to meet his future in-laws, including the Queen.
Her mum is currently in London, having expected to have tea with her future in-laws today.
Meghan’s best friend Jessica Mulroney has also been by the US actress’ side this week, with the Canadian socialite’s children among those announced to be bridesmaids and page boys during the ceremony.
Meghan’s nephews and sister-in-law have also landed in the UK – despite not being invited to the wedding.
TMZ reporter Sean Mandell says that Meghan Markle was left in tears over dad controversy
While Meghan joins the Royal Family in the wedding of the year this Saturday, her dad will remain in hospital recovering from emergency heart surgery.
She has endured constant criticism from her family, including half-sister Samantha, for not supporting their father – with Meghan’s estranged family also unhappy they were not invited to the wedding.
Her 73-year-old dad had sparked chaos after going back and forth in his decision to attend the ceremony – having been left embarrassed after posing for staged paparazzi photos in a cash deal.
“Tearful” Meghan is said to have texted her dad, who lives in Mexico, to offer her love and support after the photoshoot – which he later described as “hammy” and “stupid”.
Earlier today, a journalist for US website TMZ – which has published a number of exclusive interview with Thomas Sr this week – said the bride’s father is likely to still be in hospital for the Royal Wedding.
