Even future royalty can’t escape the rumor mill.

Despite having confirmed that Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas Markle, would be escorting the bride-to-be down the aisle, Kensington Palace now says that is not the case. 

In fact, Markle’s father will no longer even attend the wedding. This information comes after news broke that Markle’s father sold photographs of himself preparing for the Royal Wedding–something he has since said he regrets. The drama continues after he claimed to have recently suffered a heart attack, and is now allegedly undergoing heart surgery–keeping him from traveling across the pond.  

Following the scandal, the Palace asked the public for “understanding and respect to be extended to Mr. Markle in this difficult situation.” The statement went on to say how this is a deeply personal moment for the royal couple. 

BREAKING: Kensington Palace has released a statement following the news that Thomas Markle will no longer be attending the #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/6Z7WPpmsYc

— Charlie Proctor (@MonarchyUK) May 14, 2018

Now that Markle’s father is out of the running to walk her down the aisle, we are betting that Markle’s mother will step-in and break with the age-old tradition. 

With Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s nuptials around the corner, find out Everything You Need to Know About the Royal Wedding.

–Emily Goldman