Meghan Markle reportedly ‘pleading’ with dad Thomas to come to the royal wedding

Meghan Markle is reportedly pleading with her dad to attend the royal wedding.

Thomas Markle said yesterday that he was pulling out of walking his daughter down the aisle over photos he had sold of himself to a news agency. The 73-year-old suffered a heart attack last week and had discharged himself from hospital so he would make it to the wedding. The Daily Mail reports that Meghan is now pleading with her dad to change his mind. A source close to the former actor told the publication that Thomas was "not in a good place," and that Meghan "wants her dad there." They said:

"This is not what she wants. She obviously wants her dad there. And the idea of contemplating him not being there now is not something that she wants to have to do.

"She and Prince Harry are begging for people to give him some space. They have been saying this for weeks, while trying to offer him support and help. He is clearly feeling under immense pressure. The concern for him is real and genuine."

The source also said that Meghan and Harry have been "doing everything" to help Thomas, but that the situation is "worrying" and "scary." "He is a proud man who wants to be a father and not be taken care of, but it's quite difficult. Everyone needs to pause and think what this is doing to them and, more importantly, to him," they said. They also said that Harry feels "guilty" due to the dropout.

"He wants to protect her and this is really difficult for him to swallow," they said.

Kensington Palace responded to the reports Meghan Markle's father may not attend the wedding saying "this is a deeply personal moment" and that "she and Prince Harry ask for understanding and respect to be extended to Mr. Markle in this difficult situation." Meghan and Harry will marry this Saturday on May 19.