Royal wedding: Thomas Markle 'undergoing heart surgery' and won't make royal wedding

Thomas Markle is about to have serious heart surgery and will not be coming to Meghan Markle’s wedding.

The 73-year-old who has been suffering from heart problems, will undergo surgery tomorrow in Mexico, according to entertainment website TMZ.

Mr Markle, who had told TMZ earlier that he had changed his mind and would like to walk his daughter down the aisle at Windsor Castle on Saturday, initially said he wouldn’t be able to make it because he had a heart attack.

He will go into the operating theatre at 7.30am Wednesday local time.

Mr Markle told a reporter, “the doctors will go in and clear blockage, repair damage and put a stent in.”

Meghan, who asked her father to walk her down the aisle because she wanted to have both parents as part of her big day, will be devastated.

Earlier, Mr Markle said Meghan had tried to phone him, but she didn't get through.

Instead she sent him a text message say she "loved him and was concerned for his health".

He said his daughter "harbours no ill feelings toward him".

“I hate the idea of missing one of the greatest moments in history and walking my daughter down the aisle," he added.