Programming note: No royal wedding invitation? Not to worry. You can stream every moment on your mobile phone, laptop, or wherever you get CNN, starting at 5 a.m. ET on Saturday, May 19.
(CNN) —
Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas Markle, told American publication TMZ on Monday that he will not attend his daughter’s wedding to Prince Harry.
According to the TMZ report, Markle decided not to walk his daughter down the aisle on Saturday, after it was revealed he worked with a picture agency to stage some pictures of him preparing himself for the wedding.
Thomas Markle said he now thought the pictures were “stupid and hammy,” according to the TMZ report. He said he made the decision to skip the wedding so he wouldn’t embarrass the royal family or his daughter.
CNN has reached out to Thomas Markle for comment over phone and over email but has yet to receive an answer.
CNN has learned that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are very concerned about the pressure Thomas Markle is under and want the media to give him some space. CNN has also learned that though Markle is upset about what has transpired, her feelings about having her father give her away on Saturday haven’t changed since photographs were published.
“This is a deeply personal moment for Ms. Markle in the days before her wedding,” a Kensington Palace spokesman said Monday. “She and Prince Harry ask again for understanding and respect to be extended to Mr. Markle in this difficult situation.”
Thomas Markle has been the subject of many unflattering media reports in the British tabloids as his daughter Meghan prepares to marry Prince Harry on Saturday.
Images of him at an internet cafe checking out a website featuring his soon-to-be royal daughter sparked an “awww” moment on social media last week.
But Markle’s half-sister told a British TV network on Monday that she urged their father to stage positive photos for the paparazzi to help improve his image.
“I said the world has no idea that you’re getting in shape and doing healthy things,” Samantha Markle said on the ITV program “Loose Women.”
“They don’t photograph you buying vegetables and pH water, they photograph you in as [many] unflattering ways as they can. I said, ‘Really you need to show the world you are getting in shape and doing great, healthy things.’ So I suggested it.”
PHOTO:
Jeff Rayner/Coleman-Rayner
Another photo of Thomas Markle that may have also been staged
In Sunday editions and online, Britain’s Daily Mail published what it said was security camera footage showing Thomas Markle arriving at the internet cafe with a photographer.
Samantha Markle took full responsibility for arranging the photos, saying she was “entirely the culprit.” When asked if her father had been paid, she said she didn’t think so but wasn’t sure.
“I do not believe so. That was not the motive – it was my suggestion,” she said. “I have no idea. But if he did, I am going to assume it was a pittance – they don’t pay that much. It really was so the world could see him doing the healthy things.”
01:39 - Source: CNN
Duchess of Sussex says Buckingham Palace is 'perpetuating falsehoods'
Duchess of Sussex says Buckingham Palace is 'perpetuating falsehoods'
CBS releases teaser for Harry and Meghan's Oprah Interview
PHOTO:
Twitter/@misanharriman
Now playing
Inside Harry and Meghan's life after royalty
PHOTO:
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex depart Canada House on January 07, 2020 in London, England.
Now playing
Meghan and Harry announce they're expecting second child
PHOTO:
Chris Jackson/Chris Jackson Collection/Getty Images
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex meets children as she attends the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 on March 09, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Now playing
Prince Harry says he grew up unaware of unconscious bias
PHOTO:
Toby Melville/Pool/Getty Images
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - SEPTEMBER 25: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and their baby son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter Thandeka Tutu-Gxashe at the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation during their royal tour of South Africa on September 25, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Toby Melville/Pool/Getty Images)
Now playing
Harry and Meghan suing over pictures of Archie
Prince Harry and Meghan: UK must confront colonial past
PHOTO:
The Duchess of Sussex
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, spoke publicly for the first time about George Floyd's death. She was speaking to the graduating class of Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles, in a video message commencement speech.
Now playing
Duchess of Sussex reflects on lingering racial injustices in US
PHOTO:
WPA Pool/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 06: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex speaks to the media at Windsor Castle following the birth of his son on May 06, 2019 in Windsor, United Kingdom. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex gave birth to a baby boy weighing 7lbs 3oz at 05:26 BST. (Photo by Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Now playing
Prince Harry sends support message to Invictus Games participants
PHOTO:
DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/WPA Pool/Getty Images
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 07: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrives with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex to Canada House in thanks for the warm Canadian hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada, on January 7, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Now playing
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, loses first battle in tabloid lawsuit
PHOTO:
Mattel
Harry, The Duke of Sussex photographed in January this year during the recording of his on-camera introduction to the new animated special "Thomas & Friends: The Royal Engine". The 22-minute episode features Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Prince of Wales as a child and has been produced as part of Thomas & Friends' 75th anniversary celebrations this year.
Now playing
Prince Harry introduces 'Thomas & Friends' special
See Meghan Markle's message to 'women of the future'
PHOTO:
Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend The Endeavour Fund Awards at Mansion House on March 05, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Now playing
Harry and Meghan's first official appearance together since royal crisis
Prince Harry and Jon Bon Jovi jam at Abbey Road
PHOTO:
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 16: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex hosts the Rugby League World Cup 2021 draws for the men's, women's and wheelchair tournaments at Buckingham Palace on January 16, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Now playing
Prince Harry just wants to be called 'Harry' from now on
Meghan Markle, 36, has captured international attention as she prepares to become the newest member Britain’s royal family.