Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have revealed more amazing details about their fast-approaching wedding — including in what way the bride’s parents will be involved, and how they plan to remember Harry’s beloved mother, Princess Diana.
Meghan will be walked down the aisle by her father, Thomas Markle, while her mother, Doria Ragland, will escort her from an undisclosed location to St. George’s chapel for the May 19 nuptials.
The arrangement — while beautifully including both parents — represents a break with royal tradition. Typically, the bride travels with her father before he gives her away in the wedding ceremony.
Confirming the news on Friday, a Kensington Palace spokesman said:
“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.”
Meghan has a very close bond with her mother, so it’s no surprise that she’s breaking royal tradition to include her in the day’s proceedings.
Harry, too, is reportedly close with his future mother-in-law.
Meghan is pictured with her dad as a baby.
Thomas, a retired lighting director who lives in Mexico, and Doria, a yoga teacher and social worker, who lives in Los Angeles, will travel to the U.K. ahead of the wedding to meet Her Majesty, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, Camilla, and Prince William and Kate.
The rendezvous will also be the first between Harry and Thomas, who have (to our knowledge) only ever spoken over the phone.
The update comes after weeks of speculation about the father of the bride’s presence.
In a handwritten letter published in In Touch, Thomas’ son, Thomas Markle Jr. — who is Meghan’s half-brother from her father’s first marriage — said that Meghan’s father did not receive an invitation to the royal wedding.
“What kind of person starts out by using her own father until he’s bankrupt, then forgets about him in Mexico leaving him broke, over mostly all her debts. And when it’s time to pay him back she forgets her own father like she never knew him,” he wrote.
Adding, “It’s very apparent that her tiny bit of Hollywood fame has gone to her head. Not to mention, to top it all off, she doesn’t invite her own family and instead invites complete strangers to the wedding. Who does that?”
Thomas, who has had several run-ins with the law, is no longer in touch with his sister.
Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36, are also set to honour Diana, Princess of Wales, in their wedding ceremony, saying they want to “celebrate her memory” during their big day.
The royal couple have invited all three of the late Princess’ siblings to the wedding — Charles, 9th Earl Spencer, Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale.
What’s more, Lady Jane Fellowes — who remains close to members of the Royal family but has shied away from the spotlight since her sister’s passing — will deliver a reading during the ceremony.
In a statement, the palace said: “In addition to having the support of The Queen, his father The Prince of Wales, and his brother Prince William as Best Man, Prince Harry is also keen to involve his mother’s family in his wedding. All three siblings of Diana, Princess of Wales will be in attendance and Lady Jane Fellowes will give the reading. Prince Harry and Ms. Markle both feel honoured that Lady Jane will be representing her family and helping to celebrate the memory of the late Princess on the wedding day.”
Harry and Meghan are set to celebrate the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, in their wedding ceremony.
They have invited all three of the late Princess’ siblings to the wedding — Charles, 9th Earl Spencer (R), Lady Jane Fellowes (C) and Lady Sarah McCorquodale (L).
While everybody’s favourite ginger-haired royal will be surrounded by many of his nearest and dearest on the special day, it’s not yet known whether his grandfather will be fit enough to join the celebration.
Prince Philip, 96, underwent hip replacement surgery at a London hospital on April 4, and he’s currently recovering from his operation at Windsor Castle.
During a briefing on Friday, the palace said they “very much hope” he will be there but were unable to confirm his attendance.
We certainly have our fingers crossed, and there’s still time — Harry and Meghan will exchange vows at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19.
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Prince Philip, who is currently recovering from hip surgery, may miss his grandson’s wedding.
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