Daily Mirror

Mum Doria was my choice for the role

- PAUL BURRELL Royal butler and Princess Diana’s “rock”

THE absence of Thomas Markle at the wedding of the year has left a void which cannot be satisfacto­rily filled – for surely every girl’s wish is for her father to be at her side on the biggest day of her life.

Instead Meghan will be escorted by the Prince of Wales. I have known Harry since he was born and I imagine he wanted his father to be included.

But it is a little strange – and I was confused.

Wouldn’t it have been wonderful to see Doria Ragland walk her daughter down the aisle of St George’s Chapel? A show of strong solidarity. After all Queen Victoria escorted two of her daughters.

But I am not surprised it’s not the case. I can almost see courtiers frowning at the thought – because that isn’t protocol, that’s not how it is done.

Meghan will have to get used to this grinding of the Royal Protocol Machine.

Diana knew only too well you can’t fight them. She would have told Meghan, “You can’t win everything. you have to roll with it.”

But it won’t be Charles walking her down the aisle alone. I expect to see a white rose in tribute to Diana in her bouquet. And so Diana will be right there with Meghan too.

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