Reports
At first glance, they may not appear to have too much in common: one the heir to the throne who has grown up under the roof of a palace, the other the striving actress who has come to embody the American Dream.
When Meghan Markle walks up the aisle towards her future husband today, though, she will no doubt be grateful for the steady, reassuring hand of the Prince of Wales, with whom she has built a fond relationship.
Ms Markle, who has spent time with the Prince and Duchess of Cornwall throughout her relationship with Prince Harry, deeply touched her future father-in-law by asking him to accompany her on the long walk through the St George’s Chapel quire.
In doing so, she has underlined the bond between father and son, her fiancé Prince Harry, in a symbol of continuity that will no doubt please her future in-laws.
Offered the options of walking with her mother Doria, a friend or alone, Ms Markle characteristically plumped for a compromise that typifies the tactful way she has approached her entry into the Royal family so far.
Choosing to walk the first half of the St George’s Chapel aisle alone, surrounded by young bridesmaids and pageboys but without an adult companion, she will emphasise her long-established credentials as an independent woman.
Met by the Prince of Wales at the midpoint, at the beginning of the quire, she will make public the warm, growing bond the two have formed.
The quartet of the Prince, Duchess, Prince Harry and Ms Markle are said to be enjoying a “genuine growing affection” born over jovial teas and common interests.
The Prince of Wales and Ms Markle share a keen interest in the arts – with the Prince a lifelong supporter of the visual arts, architecture and classical music – and in organic and sustainable food. Both the Duchess and Ms Markle share a love of yoga and the occasional fine wine.
Not only will the Prince accompany Ms Markle during the service, he has also assisted by offering advice for the music of the ceremony.
A spokesman for Kensington Palace said the couple had “sought the advice of the Prince of Wales for the orchestral music before the service begins”.
The Prince’s central role underlines the growing public relationship between Harry and his father, whose schedules have aligned this year to allow them to enjoy public engagements together.
Next week, the newly-weds will dedicate their first public engagement as a married couple to attend a 70th birthday party for the Prince in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.
The gesture means the couple will miss an immediate honeymoon to return to London on Tuesday – but it will cement the reciprocal support between the generations.