Meghan Markle's father will miss jubilee events due to stroke
Watch: Thomas Markle lost voice after suffering stroke
Meghan Markle's father Thomas Markle has been hospitalised after suffering a stroke, nearly a week ahead of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Markle, 77, had been planning to fly to the UK in June for the celebrations, with hopes of meeting members of the Royal Family, as well as his own grandchildren – Archie and Lilibet – for the first time.
But on Tuesday morning he was rushed to hospital after suffering stroke symptoms, confirmed to PA news agency by Karl Larsen, who has a YouTube channel with him.
Read more: How to spot a stroke: Symptoms, causes and treatment
A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. The sooner treatment is received, the less damage is likely to happen.
Markle, a retired director of photography, who lives in Rosarito, Mexico, had been looking forward to travelling to the UK for the jubilee, according to Larsen.
His eldest daughter Samantha told Mail Online, which first reported the news, "My father is recovering in hospital.
"We ask for privacy for the family, for his health and wellbeing. He just needs peace and rest.
"Godspeed. We are praying. He just needs some rest."
Markle was admitted to a hospital in Tijuana, Mexico, before being taken to a clinic in Chula Vista, California, it also reported.
He also missed Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018 as he was recovering from heart surgery. Prince Charles walked Meghan down the aisle.
Read more: What did Meghan Markle really know about the Royal Family before meeting Harry?
Markle's stroke comes after he spoke last month of his desire to attend the jubilee.
"I'm going to show my respect for the Queen and I'm going to make sure that the Queen understands that my entire family respects the Queen and the royals," he told GB news.
"We admire them and we want them to know that's how we feel about them and that's how we feel about England."
He also said he felt he had a right to meet his grandchildren.
Meghan has reportedly been estranged from her father since he was caught staging paparazzi photographs in the lead up to her wedding.
Read more: Harry and Meghan's wedding: The real falling out before the big day
Symptoms of stroke can include problems with the face (such as drooping), arms (such as movement and feeling) and speech (such as slurring, not being able to talk, or not understanding what's being said to them).
Treatment for a stroke depends on the type you have, including which part of the brain was affected and what caused it, the NHS website explains.
Strokes are usually treated with medication, which includes medicines to prevent and dissolve blood clots, reduce blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels.
However, in some cases, procedures may be required to remove blood cots. Surgery may also be needed to treat brain swelling and reduce the risk of further bleeding (if this was the cause of the stroke).
Read more: As Luke Perry dies from a stroke aged 52, here's how to spot symptoms of the condition
While the effects of a stroke depend on the severity and how soon treatment was given, people who survive one can often be left with long-term problems caused by injury to the brain.
Some need a long rehabilitation to recover, while many never fully recover and need ongoing support.
Reablement services, for example, can help the person recovering from a stoke learn or relearn the skills they need to look after themselves at home. But some may continue to need some form of help with daily activities, such as washing and dressing.
If you experience any signs or symptoms of stroke, or see them in someone else, dial 999.
Additional reporting PA.
