It’s the shocking Royal Wedding scandal that has the world’s heart breaking for Meghan Markle.
Just five days out from her May 19th nuptials to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s father Thomas Markle has confirmed he will no longer be walking his youngest daughter down the aisle.
In the aftermath of the staged paparazzi drama and his reported ill health, the 73-year-old lighting director has tapped out of the main event.
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Whatever your opinion on Thomas may be, there’s no denying that this unexpected turn of events proves one simple fact – all families are complex, dysfunctional and fragile in their own unique way.
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Even a small-scale family wedding is enough to bring out intense family dynamics (shout out to an unnamed guest for having a meltdown over not being mentioned in my sister’s wedding speeches), so spare a thought for the Markle clan who’ve had to let this play out on the world’s stage. We can’t even imagine the pressure Meghan and her father Thomas must be under.
But with Thomas officially out, who will walk Meghan Markle down the aisle at the Royal Wedding? We explore the bride-to-be’s options…
Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland
The most likely option will of course be Meghan Markle’s beloved mother, Doria Ragland.
Throughout her life and indeed her whirlwind romance with Prince Harry, the 61-year-old yoga instructor has been an incredible pillar of strength, stability and support to Meghan.
While this wedding is a ground-breaking event for the royal family, the main question is would The Queen approve such a bold break with tradition and allow Doria to walk her daughter down the aisle of St George’s Chapel?
However, The Queen is never one to be underestimated and is incredibly in touch with the times. Her Majesty would be no doubt be sympathetic towards Meghan and wanting to help the bride in this hour of need.
If the plan does get approved, it would well and truly make for a historical moment and be unlike any other Royal Wedding we’ve ever seen before.
Speaking in the past about her mum, Meghan said LA-based Doria was a “free-spirited” role model.
“For me to watch this level of life-long sensitivity to nurturing and caregiving, but at the same time my mum has always been a free spirit.”
“She’s got dread locks and a nose ring. She just ran the LA Marathon. We can just have so much fun together, and yet, I’ll still find so much solace in her support.”
No matter what happens, Doria will have a huge part to play on her daughter’s wedding day with the palace already confirming she’ll be escorting Meghan in the car to the church.
“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,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson explained before Thomas withdrew.
Doria and Meghan are incredibly close.
Meghan Markle’s father-in-law, Prince Charles
Another potential outcome could be Meghan Markle’s father-in-law to-be, Prince Charles.
As the future King of England, The Queen would most likely give her consent to this touching set-up and it would symbolise the royal family welcoming the American star into their world with open arms.
Prince Charles has spoken fondly of Meghan and would do anything to support Prince Harry.
“It’s absolutely marvellous. I’m sure it will be a very special day for everybody,” the Prince of Wales beamed last week of the upcoming celebrations.
In fact, in 2016 Prince Charles gave away close family friend Alexandra Knatchbull after her father Lord Brabourne was too unwell at the time.
Prince Charles gives away his goddaughter Alexandra Knatchbull at her wedding in 2016.
Meghan Markle’s brother-in-law, Prince William
Over the past few months, we’ve seen just how close Meghan Markle has grown to both the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Before Thomas Markle was confirmed to give Meghan away, there were even reports Prince William might be stepping up to the plate.
However as Prince William is Prince Harry’s best man, he’ll need to be standing front and centre of St George’s Chapel with his younger brother.
Prince William will be serving as Prince Harry’s best man, so it’s unlikely he’ll give Meghan away.
She’ll walk herself down the aisle
Meghan Markle is unlike any other royal family member we’ve ever seen before and as a proud feminist and fighter for gender equality, we seriously wouldn’t be surprised if the 36-year-old simply got on with the show and walked herself down the damn aisle.
It is, after all, her second wedding and would be the ultimate way to silence all the drama as she proves just how independent and strong she is.
“What’s interesting is, I hear a lot of people – when speaking about girls and women empowerment – you’ll often hear people say, ‘well, you’re helping women finding their voices and I fundamentally disagree with that,'” Meghan explained at the Royal Forum in February.
“Women don’t need to find a voice, they have a voice, and they need to feel empowered to use it, and people need to be encouraged to listen.”
No matter what happens, Meghan and Harry’s love will conquer all and the world keep spinning!
“Women don’t need to find a voice, they have a voice, and they need to feel empowered to use it.”
Everything we know about the Thomas Markle situation so far
– Meghan Markle’s father is no longer going to the royal wedding after suffering a heart attack
– Meghan Markle still wants dad Thomas Markle to walk her down the aisle
– Marrying into the Markles: Meet Meghan’s parents
