Meghan Markle arrives in Windsor with Prince Harry to rehearse the royal wedding... hours after she confirmed her dad will NOT be attending her big day

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have arrived at Windsor Castle to rehearse their wedding, hours after the bride-to-be confirmed her father would not be walking her down the aisle.

The former Suits actress, 36, was smiling with Harry from inside the car with members of the royals' security team in the front seats.

Wearing a simple white blouse with statement diamond earrings and her hair worn in loose waves, she sat next to her fiancé Prince Harry at the back of the vehicle on the drive down the Long Walk in Windsor.

Harry and Meghan are due to meet the Queen for afternoon tea later.

Meghan and Harry arrive in Windsor days ahead of their wedding

Ms Markle's mother Doria Ragland was also due to be present at the social gathering but it is not known if she was travelling with her daughter and future son-in-law.

Yesterday, Prince Charles and Camilla met Meghan Markle’s mother Doria Ragland.

Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall took tea with Prince Harry’s future mother in law at Clarence House, his London residence.

Both Prince Harry and Meghan joined them.

Doria flew into London yesterday ahead of the royal wedding on Saturday in Windsor.

Two black four-by-fours and police outriders drove up The Long Walk to Windsor Castle before 2pm today.

The sighting of the royal couple comes mere hours after Ms Markle expressed her sadness about her father Thomas Markle being too unwell to attend the wedding this Saturday at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

In a statement released via Kensington Palace, Ms Markle said: "Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding. I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health.

Kate Middleton arrives in Windsor on the day of rehearsals
Splash News

"I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous messages of support. Please know how much Harry and I look forward to sharing our special day with you on Saturday."

The 73-year-old, who lives in Mexico, told website TMZ that he was recovering in hospital after surgery following a heart attack.

Royal Wedding rehearsal - In pictures

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The retired lighting director, who divorced Ms Markle's mother in 1988, said he would take “a long time to heal” after undergoing the operation.

Mr Markle had been due to walk his daughter down the aisle to marry Prince Harry, and Meghan's nephew had suggested there was still a chance he could be well enough to make the journey.

The uncertainty of his attendance at the wedding follows the media storm over staged paparazzi photos with a British photographer last week.

Ms Ragland, 61, is now widely tipped to walk Ms Markle down the aisle.

The yoga instructor spent the night at Kensington Palace after arriving at Heathrow yesterday following a 10-hour flight from Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, more members of the bride’s circle of closest friends have arrived in London for the wedding, including her future sister-in-law Kate Middleton.

Royal enthusiasts prepare for the royal wedding
AP

Members of the public have also started piling into the Queen’s home town with two nights to go until Harry and Ms Markle say “I do.”

Royal enthusiasts had been warned not to bring tents if they arrived in Windsor early for the event, but the ban was not enough to put the most determined followers off.

Many were equipped only with a roll mat and a sleeping bag – or at best a camping chair – as they braved chilly temperatures overnight ahead of a rehearsal for the wedding today.

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