Meghan Markle wouldn't be the first royal to have a woman walk her down the aisle

With the Suits actress's father reportedly pulling out of her wedding this Saturday, her mother is slated to take his place

It's just a few days until Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding, and there's still a question mark over whether Meghan's father will walk her down the aisle.

It's thought that Thomas Markle will be unable to attend the ceremony at St George's Chapel, Windsor, due to undergoing heart surgery.

It's been a controversial few days for the father of the bride. At the weekend, it was reported that he'd colluded with photographers in a series of publicity stunts.

He was said to have pulled out of the nuptials due to embarrassment over the scandal, with Kensington Palace issuing a statement asking for ‘understanding and respect’.

‘This is a deeply personal moment for Ms Markle in the days before her wedding,’ announced a palace spokesman. ‘She and Prince Harry ask again for understanding and respect to be extended to Mr Markle in this difficult situation.’

It then looked as though he might be attending after all, with Mr. Markle reportedly telling TMZ last night that Meghan had changed his mind.

But things were different again this morning, with reports emerging that he'd recently suffered a heart attack and has to undergo heart surgery.

If this is to be believed, Meghan will most likely choose somebody else to accompany her as she enters the chapel. Bets are on her mum Doria Ragland, which many have labelled a modern move for the royals.

But would it actually be that revolutionary? Well, no.

Quite a few royals have been walked down the aisle in a non-traditional manner, including Princess Margaret and Queen Victoria, whose fathers had both passed away by the time they wed.

Margaret was given away by her brother-in-law Prince Philip in 1960, while Victoria was joined by her uncle Prince Augustus Frederick in 1840.

Meghan, 36, wouldn't even be the first royal to have a woman walk with her - Victoria gave away her youngest daughter Princess Beatrice when she married Prince Henry of Battenberg in 1885. Victoria's husband Prince Albert had died in 1861, when Beatrice was a child.

Who knew, eh? Whatever happens on Saturday, we hope Meghan has the best day of her life.