Report: Meghan Markle's dad will not attend the royal wedding due to heart surgery

WASHINGTON (Circa) -- Thomas Markle will not be able to walk his daughter down the aisle due to a major heart surgery he is expected to undergo, according to TMZ.

Markle is scheduled to be operated on 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

"They [doctors] will go in and clear blockage, repair damage and put a stent where it is needed," Markle tells TMZ.

He suffered from a heart attack last week but reportedly wanted to do his best to be in England for his daughter's big day.

TMZ quoted Markle saying, "I hate the idea of missing one of the greatest moments in history and walking my daughter down the aisle." As of Tuesday morning, he was awaiting word from doctors about whether he would be released in time to arrive for Saturday's wedding.

On Monday, Markle said he wasn't attending after staging photos with a paparazzi agency. He felt his actions had embarrassed his daughter and the royal family.

Markle had a change of heart after receiving a message from his daughter saying she loved him and was concerned for his health, according to TMZ.

He also believes a letter sent by Meghan's brother discouraging Prince Harry from marrying her caused his heart attack.