Emotional Meghan’s message of gratitude for Charles
An emotional Duchess of Sussex thanked her new father- in- law, during an unprecedented royal wedding speech, for the welcome he has given her to the Royal Family.
The bride, resplendent in a white evening gown by Stella McCartney, took to the microphone after a private evening dinner thrown by Prince Charles at Frogmore House.
One source described how Meghan expressed her gratitude at how welcoming the prince had been to both herself and her mother, Doria Ragland.
‘She has been so touched by how welcoming the Prince of Wales has been. So is her mother,’ the source said. ‘Honestly, they are touched beyond belief. It was important to her to make a point of thanking him publicly, although, of course, he knows privately how she feels.’
Another source said: ‘It is often said that he always wanted a daughter and I think he has been really moved by how well they have got on. There is definitely a special connection there. Meghan’s mother means more to her than anything, so it was lovely to see the way he was so welcoming to Doria too.’
Charles had spent a great deal of time with Harry and Meghan choosing the music to be played at their service, particularly for while guests were waiting for the bride and groom to arrive.
He, the Mail understands, came up with the idea of having a gospel choir perform at the ceremony and put them in touch with a suitable group. The Kingdom Choir brought the house down, particularly with their performance of Ben E King’s Stand By Me.
Charles also invited Miss Ragland to have tea with him and Camilla at Clarence House shortly after she arrived in London from Los Angeles on Wednesday. By all accounts, the event went swimmingly and everyone got on ‘famously’. ‘It was very warm and there was a real connection there,’ said a source.
And, of course, Charles stepped in at the last minute to escort his son’s fiancee to the altar after her father, Thomas, pulled out of attending the ceremony due to apparent heart surgery.
It is understood he was ‘terribly touched’ to have been asked, in another sign of the growing bond between the prince and Harry’s new wife. Harry whispered ‘Thanks, Pa,’ and smiled as Charles left Meghan at his side.
The Cartier jewellery Meghan wore on Saturday was her something new. It included the £136,000 white gold and diamonds Reflection de Cartier bracelet she wore with her wedding gown and the stunning £60,000 matching earrings she wore with her evening dress.
The bracelet, made from 18-carat white gold, was set with 104 brilliantcut diamonds totalling 4.50 carats, and with 52 baguette- cut diamonds totalling 5.61 carats.
The earrings were also made from 18-carat white gold, each set with 19 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 0.81 carats, and ten baguette-cut diamonds totalling 1.08 carats.