The future American royal released a statement on Thursday.
Meghan Markle has made it official: Her father will not be attending the royal wedding Saturday.
The issue has been the focus of media scrutiny for days since it was reported that health setbacks may keep him from making the trip.
On Thursday, speaking through Kensington Palace, Markle ended the debate.
"Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding," she said. "I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health. I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous messages of support."
Markle continued: "Please know how much Harry and I look forward to sharing our special day with you on Saturday."
Now that Thomas Markle won't make it to London, who will walk the bride-to-be down the aisle? Bookies are taking bets, and the odds-on favorite is her mother Doria.
Inside Edition Special Royal Wedding Correspondent Amanda Holden discussed the likelihood of Doria replacing Meghan's father.
"I would actually love it if her mother walked her down the aisle. It would break yet another rule! She is a rule-breaker and that is why I love her," she said.
Holden added that she hopes the drama surrounding the event doesn't put a damper on the big day.
Another option is the father of the groom, Prince Charles. Prince William could also step up to walk his brother's bride down the aisle.
Meghan Markle could also show her independent spirit by walking alone to meet her prince at the altar.
Royal expert Victoria Arbiter discussed those scenarios with Inside Edition.
"He’s long talked about how much [Prince Charles] would have loved a daughter and this would give him the opportunity to walk this beautiful lady down the aisle to his waiting son. It would also show the royal family’s support of Meghan," she said.
Prince Harry is reportedly crushed over his soon-to-be wife’s family drama, believing he's to blame for all the scrutiny on her father.
In an interview the couple gave to the BBC following their November engagement announcement, Meghan Markle said that when it comes to her family drama, she and Prince Harry just push forward.
"We have just focused on who we are as a couple," she said. "So when you take all those extra layers away and all of that noise, I think it makes it really to just enjoy being together and tune all the rest of that out."
Meanwhile, preparations for the royal wedding are well underway.
RELATED STORIES
