Meghan Markle's father may not attend the Royal Wedding

14 May 2018, 23:12 | Updated: 14 May 2018, 23:13

It is currently unclear whether Meghan Markle's father will attend the Royal Wedding on Saturday (May 19).

Thomas Markle has US tabloid TMZ at his home in Mexico that he has decided not to appear at his daughter's wedding to Prince Harry.

Kensington Palace has said that it was "a deeply personal moment for Ms Markle".

The news follows newspaper reports at the weekend claiming that he had staged photos for a paparazzi photographer.

Pictures showed him being measured for a wedding suit, and looking at newspaper stories about his daughter. He is thought to have said that he didn't want to cause his daughter any embarrassment by attending the wedding at St George's Chapel.

A Kensington Palace spokesman 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."

Samantha Markle, Meghan's half-sister, has claimed that she is to blame for the photographs. 

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She tweeted: "The media was unfairly making him look bad so I suggested he do positive photos for his benefit and the benefit of the royal family. We had no idea he would be taken advantage of. It was not for money."

Meghan Markle will stay with her mother at the Cliveden House Hotel on the night before the wedding, while Prince Harry will stay at the Dorchester Collection's Coworth Park in Ascot, Berkshire, with his brother and best man Prince William.