Royals
Meghan Markle Actually Won’t Be the First Royal Bride Prince Charles Has Walked Down the Aisle
Following Kensington Palace’s announcement that Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas Markle, will not accompany his daughter down the aisle at her royal wedding to Prince Harry, we now finally know for sure just who will be taking on that role. According to another royal statement, Meghan’s soon-to-be father-in-law Prince Charles will do the honors.
"Ms. Meghan Markle has asked His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle of the Quire of St George’s Chapel on her Wedding Day," the statement read, adding that "The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms. Markle to The Royal Family in this way."
Despite having no daughters of his own, this will in fact be the second time that Charles has accompanied a bride-to-be down the aisle. He previously filled in for the father of the bride when Alexandra Knatchbull, a goddaughter to Princess Diana and close friend of the family, married Thomas Hooper in 2016.
While Meghan’s father will not be present at St. George’s Chapel tomorrow, Norton Knatchbull did attend his daughter’s wedding ceremony, meaning that her decision to have the Prince of Wales give her away at the altar raised some eyebrows. The fact that Norton had controversially abandoned his 31-year marriage some years before is thought to have played a part in Alexandra’s choice, as did her father’s frail health at the time of the wedding.
We have to admit it: we’re a little disappointed not to be seeing Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, shake things up a little by taking on this traditionally male duty. But Meghan’s decision to ask Charles to walk with her is certainly a significant gesture, and is perhaps further evidence of just how seamlessly Harry’s bride-to-be has been taken into the royal fold.
It’s also interesting to note that the Prince of Wales will only accompany her on the second half of her journey down the aisle – from the end of the nave to the alter — and that the Palace has confirmed that no one will be giving her away.
This post was written by Katie Rosseinsky. It originally appeared on our sister site, Grazia Daily.
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