Archbishop asks for prayers for Markle father ahead of wedding ceremony

Catherine Wylie and Aine Fox

The Archbishop of Canterbury hopes people pray for Meghan Markle’s father after it was confirmed the Prince of Wales would step in for him at the royal wedding.

The Most Rev Justin Welby, who has been at a number of rehearsals ahead of the eagerly anticipated ceremony, said it is “wonderful” that Charles will walk Ms Markle down the aisle.

Ms Markle’s father Thomas Markle was forced to pull out of the ceremony after undergoing heart surgery in a dramatic upset just two days before the wedding.

Asked about whether Mr Markle will be included or mentioned in prayers on the wedding day, Mr Welby said: