Who is Meghan’s dad? Thomas Markle Sr set to join the royal family at the royal wedding

Meghan Markle’s family has been the source of much speculation since the 36-year-old actresses relationship with Prince Harry came to light.

The actress’s father and mother Thomas Markle Sr and Doria Ragland are no longer together.

However, Kensington Palace revealed that both parties will be present at Meghan’s royal wedding.

In a statement published 4 May the palace’s Communication Secretary said: “The first thing I would like to share is that Prince Harry and Ms. Markle are very much looking forward to welcoming Ms. Markle's parents to Windsor for the wedding.

“Mr. Thomas Markle and Ms. Doria Ragland will be arriving in the UK in the week of the wedding, allowing time for Prince Harry's family, including The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, to spend time with them before the big day.”

Meghan will also be walked down the aisle by her father, as is traditional.

The statement continued: “Both of the bride's parents will have important roles in the wedding.

“On the morning of the wedding, Ms. Ragland will travel with Ms. Markle by car to Windsor Castle. Mr. Markle will walk his daughter down the aisle of St George's Chapel.

“Ms. Markle is delighted to have her parents by her side on this important and happy occasion.”

So what do we know about Meghan’s dad?

The 73-year-old man currently lives in Mexico, while her mother lives in Los Angeles.

Thomas and his ex wife Doria met in the late 70s.

They divorced in 1987 when Meghan was six-years-old.

Meghan grew up alongside her half siblings, Samantha and Thomas Jnr, however the two are not expected to be at the wedding after making some outspoken criticisms of the actress and humanitarian.

Thomas was a cinematographer, working as former television lighting director on various shows.

He also won the lottery pocketing £560,000, which he put towards Meghan’s education at a private school in Hollywood.

He even won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2011 for his work on General Hospital.

Meghan has credited visiting set with her father for giving her the acting bug at a young age.

Who will be Meghan Markle’s bridesmaids?

Kensington Palace released a statement which gave some clues about the big day, and confirmed Meghan will have bridesmaids at the royal wedding.

The palace said: “There will also be a brief stop at the Castle where Ms. Ragland (Meghan’s mother) will head onto the Chapel and Ms. Markle will be joined by some of the Bridesmaids and Page Boys before she continues her journey to the church, where she will enter via the West Steps.”