Who Wasn't Invited To Meghan Markle's Wedding And Why?

Meghan Markle's father, Thomas Markle, was not invited to her wedding to Prince Harry due to a combination of health issues and family drama. Thomas Markle's absence from the royal wedding was confirmed by Kensington Palace, with Meghan Markle citing her father's health as the reason for his absence. Thomas Markle reportedly suffered a heart attack and was preparing for imminent surgery. In the lead-up to the wedding, there was also speculation and confirmation that Thomas Markle had staged paparazzi photos, which caused embarrassment for the royal family. Meghan Markle's half-sister, Samantha Markle, took responsibility for the photo scandal, and there were conflicting reports about Thomas Markle's initial willingness to attend the wedding. Ultimately, Prince Charles stepped in to walk Meghan Markle down the aisle during the ceremony at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.

Thomas Markle's health issues

Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle's father, did not attend her wedding to Prince Harry due to health issues. In the days leading up to the wedding, Markle released a statement confirming that her father would not be in attendance, citing his need to focus on his health. She wrote, "I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health."

In the lead-up to the wedding, there was also speculation about Thomas Markle's involvement in staged paparazzi photos. However, his health issues remained a primary concern, and Kensington Palace released a statement asking for "understanding and respect" for Markle and Prince Harry during this "deeply personal moment."

While Thomas Markle's health issues prevented him from attending the wedding, Meghan Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, was present and participated in the wedding as planned, including introductions to the royal family and the Queen.

Staged photoshoot scandal

Days before the wedding, it emerged that Thomas Markle had conspired with a photographer to pose for a series of staged paparazzi photos. He admitted this in an article with TMZ, saying he wanted to change his image as the press had been taking derogatory photos of him for a year. He also shared that he had suffered a heart attack due to the stresses of the situation.

Thomas Markle's oldest daughter, Samantha Grant, claimed responsibility for the photoshoot, telling ITV:

> "I have to say I am entirely the culprit... I said, 'You have to show the world you're getting in shape.' It was my suggestion. I don't believe he was paid and if he was it was a pittance. I can understand it's awkward for Kensington Palace."

However, Thomas Markle later denied being paid for the photoshoot, telling "Good Morning Britain":

> "I didn’t do this for money; I did this to change my image. For one whole year I was presented as a hermit hiding out in Mexico. I was looking to change my image and obviously that was a mistake that went wrong."

Following the scandal, Thomas Markle decided to withdraw from the wedding, not wanting to "embarrass the Royal Family or his daughter." Meghan Markle released a statement via Kensington Palace, announcing her father would not be attending the wedding and asking for "understanding and respect" during the "deeply personal moment."

Thomas Markle's interview with 'Good Morning Britain'

Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle's father, sat down for an interview with Good Morning Britain, where he discussed his absence from his daughter's wedding and his strained relationship with her and Prince Harry.

Markle began the interview by asserting his innocence in the matter, stating, "I've done nothing wrong. There's nothing that says I'm a bad guy. As a matter of fact, I'm a really loving father, and she knows that, and there's no excuse for her to treat me this way." He added that he was open to reconciliation but believed that Meghan and Harry were not, saying, "I'm open to it anytime, but I can't see it coming... He's [Harry] not open to peaceful solutions I don't think. And I don't think Meghan is either."

Markle then addressed the controversy surrounding staged paparazzi photos that emerged before the wedding. He admitted that he had been "set up" and that the incident was a "ploy by a company" to ruin the wedding, with him as the victim. He also shared his disappointment in Meghan's decision to cut him off, stating that it was out of character for the daughter he knew.

Markle expressed his continued love for Meghan and his desire to see his grandchildren, saying, "I still love her. I'll love her forever... But I want her to reach out to me and let me see my grandkids and let me have a little peace." He compared his situation to serving time in prison, stating that after five years, people are usually forgiven, and he had done nothing wrong.

The interview also addressed Markle's health, as he had suffered a stroke in May 2022, which affected his speech. He shared that there is no cure for a stroke, but one learns to manage it, and his voice has been improving.

In the lead-up to the royal wedding, Thomas Markle's absence made headlines, with initial reports citing health issues, specifically heart problems, as the reason for his absence. Meghan Markle confirmed his absence in a statement, expressing her care for her father and her wish for him to focus on his health. However, it was later revealed that Thomas Markle had staged paparazzi photos, which caused embarrassment and led to his decision to not attend the wedding.

Prince Charles walked Meghan Markle down the aisle

Meghan Markle's father, Thomas Markle, did not walk his daughter down the aisle during her wedding to Prince Harry at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. Markle suggested her father's health was to blame for his absence. She released a statement saying, "Sadly, my father will not be attending the wedding. I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health."

Thomas Markle lived in Mexico and was facing health concerns, including heart problems and surgery, which prevented him from attending the wedding. Meghan Markle's half-sister, Samantha Markle, confirmed that their father sold photos of himself to the press because he "can't go anywhere without being followed."

Instead, Meghan Markle asked her future father-in-law, Prince Charles, to walk her down the aisle. This was not the first time Prince Charles had walked a bride down the aisle, as he previously did the same for Alexandra Knatchbull, the daughter of one of his close friends.

On May 19, 2018, Prince Charles walked Meghan Markle down the second half of the aisle at St. George's Chapel. Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, escorted the bride to the church, and Markle walked the first half of the aisle on her own. Prince Harry, who stood at the altar with his best man, Prince William, spoke to his bride as she arrived, telling her, "You look amazing."

Meghan Markle's relationship with her family

Thomas Markle's absence from the wedding was due to a combination of health issues and controversy. He had reportedly staged paparazzi photos, which caused embarrassment for the royal family. Thomas Markle admitted to the photo conspiracy and decided to withdraw from the wedding, citing heart problems and the stress of the situation. He expressed regret at not being able to walk his daughter down the aisle and apologised for his error in judgement.

Markle's half-sister, Samantha Grant (also known as Samantha Markle), took responsibility for the staged photos, saying she suggested it to improve their father's image. She claimed that he was constantly followed by the press and wanted to present himself in a positive light. However, she also stated that she had not spoken to Meghan in years.

Despite the family drama, Meghan Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, was expected to participate in the wedding as planned, including introductions to the royal family and the Queen. Markle's relationship with her mother appears to have remained positive, and they have reportedly stayed close. Doria Ragland was among the 600 guests at the royal wedding.

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