Meghan Markle's dad has reportedly pulled out of attending the Royal Wedding this weekend after suffering a heart attack.
TMZ says the medical episode happened six days ago and Thomas Markle checked himself out of the medical facility so that he could walk his daughter down the aisle.
A Kensington Palace statement said: "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."
However Thomas has told the tabloid news site that his decision not to see Meghan and Prince Harry tie the knot stems from selling photos of himself to paparazzi.
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He's been hounded by photographers ever since the engagement was made public and unflattering photos kept being published - so he reportedly organised for a bunch of images to be sold in order to 'recast his image'.
Some of the photos included him getting a suit ready, reading books about Britain and even scrolling through pictures of his daughter on the internet. But the Daily Mail found surveillance photos of Thomas meeting with a photographer before they started taking pictures of him in the staged environment.
Meghan Markle's half-sister Samantha confirmed that the paparazzi shots were pre-planned, telling Loose Women on ITV: "I have to say I am entirely the culprit. As we know the media can take very unflattering photographs of people on their casual days and blow it way out of proportion.
"I said, 'You know, the world has no idea you're getting in shape, doing healthy things. They don't photograph you buying vegetables and PH water. They photograph you as unflattering ways as they can'.
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"So I said, 'Really you need to show the world that you're getting in shape and doing great healthy things'.
"So I suggested it. There's a lot of scrutiny that it was money motivated, it was not. It was my suggestion that to benefit him and to benefit the Royal Family that everyone looked good and they depict you as you are - in shape and doing healthy things."
Mr Markle says he doesn't want to attend the wedding because he doesn't want to embarrass Meghan or the Royal Family.
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Organisers of the Royal Wedding, which will take place at St George's Chapel this Saturday, will have to mix up the plan following the announcement.
Kensington Palace previously stated: "Both of the bride's parents will have important roles in the wedding. On the morning of the wedding, Ms. Ragland will travel with Ms. Markle by car to Windsor Castle.
"Mr. Markle will walk his daughter down the aisle of St George's Chapel. Ms. Markle is delighted to have her parents by her side on this important and happy occasion."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: News, Royal Wedding, Meghan Markle