Meghan Markle has asked the Prince of Wales to accompany her down part of the aisle on her wedding day to Prince Harry, as she opts not to be given away.
The US star, who this week learned that her own father would not make the wedding due to ill health, will walk the first half of the St George’s Chapel aisle alone, surrounded by young page boys and bridesmaids but without anyone by her side.
At the Quire, which effectively marks the second half of the aisle, Markle will be met by the Prince of Wales, her future father-in-law, who will take her arm for the final steps. The ceremony will omit the traditional moment of “giving away”, where the presiding Archbishop asks: “Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?”
She has spent a great deal of time with him during her relationship with Prince Harry, a source said and has built an affectionate bond. It was Markle’s idea to ask him to do the honours on her wedding day, offering the suggestion to Prince Harry who was delighted. The Prince of Wales was very happy to accept, a source said.
Markle’s mother Doria Ragland, a yoga instructor and social worker, had been the favourite to walk her daughter up the aisle, but will instead join her for the car journey to the chapel before taking her place in the congregation.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will accompany Ragland as she meets the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh for the first time at Windsor Castle.
