So who will walk the bride up the aisle?
THE chapel is booked, the military escort perfected and the orders of service printed. Meghan Markle was left yesterday to negotiate the last-minute dilemma of who was going to walk her up the aisle, as her mother was welcomed by the Royal family.
Doria Ragland, now the most likely candidate to accompany the bride on her walk, enjoyed tea with the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall after Ms Markle confirmed her father, Thomas, would be absent from the wedding. In a heartfelt statement, Ms Markle asked for her father to be given “space” to recover after he contacted her to say he would not be able to attend, on medical advice. The bride-to-be was photographed yesterday with Prince Harry, above, being driven down Windsor
Castle’s Long Walk to undertake final rehearsals for their wedding tomorrow.
Smiling and fiddling with her engagement ring, Ms Markle appeared to be taking a difficult week in her stride as the Royal family rallied round to help.
Ms Ragland, who arrived at Heathrow Airport on Wednesday, took tea at Clarence House in what was described by sources as a “jolly” encounter. Prince Harry and Ms Markle also joined the heir to the throne to enjoy a quiet moment in the middle of a busy day of meetings.
Ms Ragland is said to have “thoroughly enjoyed” the gathering, feeling welcomed by the Prince and Duchess. The Duchess has recently taken on patronages of charities to support the elderly, Ms Ragland’s area of work, and both are known to practise yoga regularly.
Yesterday, Prince Harry and Ms Markle were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, at Windsor Castle for a rehearsal, carried out while the Queen was in residence. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh welcome Ms Ragland today at Windsor Castle.
The young page boys and bridesmaids were shown the ropes during the rehearsal at St George’s Chapel, with 10 children aged between two and seven due to accompany Ms Markle.
The issue of who will walk Ms Markle up the aisle remains under discussion, with Ms Markle understood to want to delay announcing a replacement for her father too quickly, out of respect for him.
Orders of service have already been printed, stating that the bride “will be accompanied by her father”. It is now known Mr Markle is not well enough to travel, citing heart problems. It emerged at the weekend that he had colluded with the paparazzi for photographs in Mexico, where he lives.
In a statement issued by Kensington Palace yesterday, Ms Markle said: “Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding.
“I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health.
“I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous mes- sages of support. Please know how much Harry and I look forward to sharing our special day with you on Saturday.”
Already confirmed as travelling with Ms Markle to the castle for the service, Doria Ragland is considered the most likely candidate to accompany her daughter up the aisle, reflecting their close relationship and the bride’s gender equality credentials.
Ms Markle could still choose to walk alone, or she could be accompanied by a male friend or a member of the Royal family, such as the Prince of Wales or the Duke of Cambridge, although he already has duties as best man to his brother.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who walked Princess Margaret up the aisle in 1960, is expected to attend, after recovering well from a hip replacement
‘Please know how much Harry and I look forward to sharing our special day with you on Saturday’
operation conducted at King Edward VII hospital in London last month.
In Windsor, thousands turned out to watch preparations outside the castle walls, where the Armed Forces conducted a dress rehearsal for their roles on the day.
Around 250 members of the Armed Forces are expected to take part in the festivities, lining the streets as the newly-weds embark on a 25-minute procession by carriage through the town.
There will be a heavy police presence, with some officers armed, and others positioned on top of buildings overlooking the crowds.
The largely warm and sunny weather experienced this week is due to continue tomorrow, when, according to forecasters, temperatures should reach 70F (21C).