Meghan Markle’s father Thomas Markle (pictured on Thursday last week) has once again pulled out of his daughter’s big day

Meghan Markle’s father won’t attend her wedding to Prince Harry in three days’ time because he needs to have major heart surgery today, it has been claimed.

Thomas Markle, 73, who lives in Mexico, revealed that doctors will ‘go in and clear blockage, repair damage, and put a stent where it is needed’ during the operation, which will take place at 3.30pm UK time.

The retired lighting director believes his heart attack was triggered by an open letter his son, Thomas Jr, wrote trying to convince Harry not to marry Meghan.

The revelation over surgery was the latest twist on a rollercoaster of speculation surrounding whether Mr Markle would attend Saturday’s royal wedding at Windsor Castle in Berkshire.

It came just hours after Meghan seemed to have convinced her father to change his mind and walk her down the aisle.

He pulled out on Monday, saying he didn’t want to further embarrass his 36-year-old former actress daughter after The Mail On Sunday revealed he had staged paparazzi photos for money.

But yesterday it seemed he had backtracked on his decision after the bride-to-be pleaded with him to come to England for the big day in Berkshire.

The surgery is the latest twist surrounding Mr Markle’s attendance at Meghan’s wedding

Mr Markle revealed he believes his heart attack was triggered by an open letter his son, Thomas Jr (pictured), wrote to Prince Harry trying to convince him not to marry Meghan

He told TMZ that Meghan tried calling him on Monday, but he wasn’t near his phone. She later sent a text saying she loved him and was concerned about his health.

‘I hate the idea of missing one of the greatest moments in history and walking my daughter down the aisle,’ Mr Markle said yesterday. ‘Of course I’d walk her down the aisle. This is a historic moment. I’d like to be a part of history.’