Meghan Markle’s father will miss his daughter’s wedding to Prince Harry, as he is due to undergo heart surgery this week. The 36-year-old actress will tie the knot with the 33-year-old Prince on Saturday (19.05.18), and although her father Thomas Markle is supposed to be walking her down the aisle on her big day, it has been reported he won’t be able to attend the ceremony as he’s due to undergo major heart surgery on Wednesday (16.05.18).

Thomas, 73, was reported to have pulled out of the wedding earlier this week before he claimed that he would be doing his best to make it to his daughter’s nuptials, but it now seems as though he’s officially had to cancel his flight to England.

According to TMZ, Thomas is due to undergo surgery at 7:30am on Wednesday, and won’t be fit for Meghan and Harry’s wedding four days later.

He told the publication: “They [doctors] will go in and clear blockage, repair damage and put a stent where it is needed.” The news comes after Thomas said he “hates” the idea of missing out on his daughter’s big day, and wants to make the trip to England to “be a part of history” by giving his daughter away during the ceremony at St George’s Chapel inside Windsor Castle.

He said: “I hate the idea of missing one of the greatest moments in history and walking my daughter down the aisle. Of course I’d walk her down the aisle. This is a historic moment. I’d like to be a part of history.”

Previously, Kensington Palace issued a statement appealing for “understanding” following the “deeply personal issue” of Thomas’ attendance.

They wrote: “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.”