Meghan Markle [1] is gearing up to marry Prince Harry in a few shorts day, and much has been made of the event's star-studded guest list. While her mother, Doria Ragland, is already in London [2] to help with last-minute preparations, her father, Thomas Markle, will not be in attendance for the royal wedding. Even though Thomas, a former lighting director [3], was expected to walk Meghan down the aisle [4], he is no longer attending [5] after a fallout over his staged paparazzi photos [6] from April. On Monday, Kensington Palace released an official statement [7] saying, "This is a deeply personal moment for Ms. Markle in the days before her wedding. She and Prince Harry ask again for understanding and respect to be extended to Mr. Markle in this difficult situation."

Now that Thomas is no longer attending, it's unclear who will walk Meghan down the aisle [8]. It was reported back in January that Meghan wanted her mother to do the honors, and it certainly wouldn't be the only way that her nuptials will break royal tradition [9]. Thomas was also set to receive a family coat of arms [10], the crest traditionally given to the father of the bride before a royal wedding, but it's unclear who will receive the gift now.