Report: Thomas Markle Changes His Mind, Wants To Walk Daughter Down The Aisle
LONDON (CNN) -- Meghan Markle's father, Thomas Markle, says he has changed his mind and wants to walk his daughter down the aisle as she marries Prince Harry at Saturday's royal wedding, he told US celebrity news site TMZ on Tuesday.
"I hate the idea of missing one of the greatest moments in history and walking my daughter down the aisle," he said, according to TMZ.
Markle has been involved in controversy since it was revealed he allegedly staged a series of photos captured by an American paparazzo.
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According to the TMZ report, Markle thinks that staging the photos was "stupid" but not a serious transgression.
The report also mentions that Markle is back in the hospital after reportedly being treated for a heart attack a week ago. He told TMZ that doctors are running a battery of tests on him and have told him his heart was "seriously damaged."
He also said he is willing to risk his health and has asked doctors to release him from the hospital on Wednesday, so he can attend the wedding.
It's unclear whether that will happen.
CNN has reached out to Thomas Markle for comment over phone and over email but has yet to receive an answer. When asked about the TMZ report, Kensington Palace declined to comment.
Meghan Markle's half-sister, Samantha Markle, recently said she was the "culprit" who urged their father to stage the photos in an ill-fated bid to improve his image. She said her father had "suffered at the hands of the media" and had decided "enough is enough."
Thomas Markle is a former lighting director who worked on popular TV shows "Married with Children" and "General Hospital," according to the Internet Movie Database. He met Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, at a Hollywood studio in the late '70s and the pair split when their daughter was still young.
CNN also contacted General Hospital in Rosarito, Mexico, where Markle is thought to have stayed previously, but officials would not say whether he is there.
Original Post, 7 a.m. : Meghan Markle's father may not attend the Royal Wedding after reports surfaced he staged photographs for the paparazzi.
TMZ reports Thomas Markle decided not to attend because he was embarrassed over the photos. The site also reported that he recently suffered a heart attack.
He was scheduled to walk Meghan down the aisle when she marries Prince Harry at St. George's Chapel Saturday.
Kensington Palace released a statement saying in part: "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."
A bishop who was once a rector at a West Baltimore church will be preaching during the royal wedding.
WJZ will be airing the wedding Saturday morning. Coverage begins at 4 a.m. and will be replayed at 8 p.m.
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