Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Meghan stood up at aisle by father
THOMAS Markle was set to perform the role every bride hopes her father will be able to fulfil – walking his daughter down the aisle.
But if the speculation is confirmed, Meghan Markle’s father will not be by her side as she walks into the medieval chapel to exchange wedding vows with Prince Harry.
That role may fall to a male friend of Harry and his bride-to-be, someone whom she trusts and can provide comforting supporting as she walks into her new life as a member of the royal family.
Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland will be in the wedding congregation, but without her father there is likely to be something missing beyond a trusting arm to hold on to.
It is also the duty of the father of the bride to give a speech at the evening dinner. That tradition may fall to the US actress’ mother to represent Ms Markle’s family.
Before the ceremony at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel, Mr Markle was expected to perform another duty organised by engaged couples around the globe, the meeting of the in-laws.
The former lighting director and his ex-wife were due to sit down to tea with the Queen and the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall for an informal chat and to cement ties.
The betrothed couple have appealed for “understanding and respect” to be given to Meghan’s father.
He has been caught up in controversy after he allegedly staged paparazzi photographs of himself in the run-up to the ceremony. A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “This is a deeply personal moment for Ms Markle in the days before her wedding.
“She and Prince Harry ask again for understanding and respect to be extended to Mr Markle in this difficult situation.”
Ms Markle’s half-sister Samantha Markle attempted to shoulder some of the blame when she tweeted it was her idea for Mr Markle to pose for what she described as “positive photos” in a bid to combat his “bad” portrayal in the press, but stated it was not done for money.
According to reports, the images were staged and CCTV footage shows the actress’ father in an internet cafe with a photographer.
A celebrity website claiming to have spoken to Mr Markle said: “He’s now decided not to go because he doesn’t want to embarrass the Royal Family or his daughter.”