What did Thomas Markle say in his GMB interview and why wasn’t he at Meghan’s Royal Wedding?
THOMAS Markle was expected to walk his daughter Meghan down the aisle at the Royal Wedding on 19 May.
But ahead of her big day, Meghan released a heartbreaking statement to explain why he wouldn't be there. Read on to learn more...
What did Thomas Markle say in his GMB interview?
Thomas Markle, 74, revealed that he told Prince Harry "never to raise a hand" towards Meghan.
He told Good Morning Britain: "I said to him, 'you're a gentleman, promise me you'll never raise your hand against my daughter' and I gave my permission."
Describing how he became aware of the engagement, he added: "Meghan told me first and then a few times after that Harry got on the phone with Meghan, they got on the phone together, and Harry asked for her hand on the phone."
Speaking to hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid, Thomas expressed how he "wished" he was the one to walk Meghan into St George's Chapel.
"I almost spat my cornflakes out" - Paul Burrell, former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales, records his reaction to hearing Thomas Markle divulging on TV his conversation with Prince Harry.
Thomas added that he was "absolutely" expecting Meghan and Harry to welcome a baby in the future, explaining: "She's wanted children for a long time and when she met Harry and how much she loved him, there's got to a be a child soon.
"I don't think the stork has hit the air yet but it'll happen sooner or later."
Controversially, he then claimed that Harry had told him to "give Donald Trump a chance".
He said: "I complained I didn't like Donald Trump and he said 'Give Donald Trump a chance'.
"I sort of disagreed with that but I still like Harry… That was his politics, I have my politics."
When Morgan asked whether Thomas thought Harry was a "Trump supporter", he said: “I would hope not now, but at the time he might have been.”
Why wasn't Thomas at Meghan’s Royal Wedding?
Meghan released an official statement via Kensington Palace on May 17, which stated: "Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding. 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. Please know how much Harry and I look forward to sharing our special day with you on Saturday."
Thomas underwent heart surgery on May 16, which was said to have been "successful".
Meghan’s dad was determined to attend the nuptials in Windsor even after suffering a heart attack in the build-up to the big day.
The retired lighting director, who lives in Rosarito, Mexico, said medics had told him his heart was “seriously damaged”.
According to TMZ, Thomas said surgeons would clear the blockage in his heart, repair the damage and put in a stent.
On the evening of May 16, the same US outlet reported that Meghan's dad had undergone "successful" surgery and was "alert and coherent" following the procedure.
On May 31, The Sun revealed that Meghan had made a series of anxious phone calls to her dad checking on his progress as he recovered from surgery.
He revealed on GMB how upsetting the situation was, saying: "They were disappointed, Meghan cried I'm sure, she did cry.
"And they both said 'Take care of yourself, we're worried about you' and that the important thing was that I get better."
He made it clear that he was happy for Prince Charles to take his place at the ceremony, saying: "I can’t think of a better replacement than someone like Prince Charles.
"He looked very handsome and my daughter looked beautiful with him.
"I was jealous.
"I wish I’d been there - I wish it had been me - but thank God he was there and I thank him for that... It might have been a treat for him as he never had a daughter.”
When was the Royal wedding?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot at St. George's Chapel in Windsor on May 19 at midday.
Meghan walked down the aisle alone halfway but Prince Charles stepped in for Thomas and escorted her from the knave to the altar.
The bride wore a stunning Givenchy dress designed by Clare Waight Keller.
The ceremony was attended by Meghan's mum Doria Ragland, her best friend Jessica Mulroney as well as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge among many other famous faces.
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