Thomas Markle was due to walk his daughter Meghan down the aisle as she marries Prince Harry at Windsor Castle on Saturday.
But amid speculation he will not now be by her side as she walks into St Georges Chapel, questions have turned to who will replace him as Meghan prepares to take her vows with Harry.
What time is the royal wedding – full schedule for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's day
There is a suggestion Meghans mother Doria Ragland may replace her father in giving a speech to represent the Markle family at the evening wedding dinner.
She will be in the wedding congregation but is unlikely to walk her daughter down the aisle.
Instead, the press association reports that the role may fall to one of Harry and Meghans male friends.
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It will be someone she trusts and who can provide comforting support as she enters the royal family.
Mr Markle was originally expected to meet his soon-to-be royal in-laws and sit down to tea with the Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall before the ceremony.
It would be an informal chat where the ice would be broken and the two families could get to know one another, likely to be held in Buckingham Palace in the days leading up to the wedding.
Reports claim it would be unlikely another male member of the Markle family will replace Mr Markle in walking his daughter down the aisle.
Reports from the US yesterday claimed Mr Markle suffered a heart attack six days ago and had checked out of hospital to attend the wedding, but has now changed his mind.
He reportedly told TMZ he will no longer be travelling to the UK following media reports he staged paparazzi photographs of him getting ready for the wedding.
In a statement released last night, Kensington palace said it was a deeply personal moment for Ms Markle in the days before her wedding.
Kensington Palace has not confirmed or denied reports Mr Markle will not be attending the wedding on Saturday.
It added: She and Prince Harry ask again for understanding and respect to be extended to Mr Markle in this difficult situation.
Mr Markle said he did not want to embarrass his daughter after pictures were published earlier this month in a number of newspapers and news websites showing him in a series of royal wedding related activities, apparently unaware he was being snapped.
He was pictured being measured for what was thought to be his wedding suit, looking at screen pictures of Meghan and Prince Harry while in an internet cafe, and reading a picture book about Britain while having a coffee.
MORE: What time is the royal wedding – full schedule for Prince Harry and Meghan Markles big day
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