Thomas Markle is set to miss the royal wedding due to heart surgery

Here's what we know so far...

The royal wedding is days away, with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle set to wed on Saturday at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

While the average wedding run up is stressful enough, Meghan Markle is having to deal with much more than most, with her father Thomas Markle caught in controversy this week as it was reported that he had colluded with photographers in a series of publicity stunts.

It was even reported that the father of the bride had pulled out of the wedding - four days before 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.'

According to reports last night however, it looked like Thomas Markle might be attending after all, with Mr Markle reportedly telling TMZ that Meghan had changed his mind.

But this morning he had changed his mind again, with his health reportedly meaning he would be unable to be at the nuptials - having reportedly suffered a recent heart attack and having to undergo heart surgery instead of attend the royal wedding.

With Thomas seemingly set to be absent, speculation is surrounding who would be filling his shoes and walking Meghan down the aisle, with rumours that it could be her mother Doria Radlan or brother-in-law Prince William.

It's unlikely that Kensington Palace will make another announcement so it looks like we'll have to wait until the big day to find out.