BIG DAY FOR ALL AGES
HARRY AND MEGHAN’S WEDDING INSPIRES
PRINCE Charles will walk Meghan Markle down the aisle after her own dad dropped out of today’s ceremony.
Kensington Palace yesterday confirmed that Prince Harry’s father would take on the key role, ending days of speculation about who would do it.
“Ms Meghan Markle has asked His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle of the Quire of St George’s Chapel on her Wedding Day,” the palace said in a statement.
“The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms Markle to The Royal Family in this way.”
Ms Markle’s father, Thomas Markle, dropped out of the wedding earlier this week after heart problems and controversy around his dealings with paparazzi.
Ms Markle’s mother Doria Ragland will be with her in the car that escorts her to the wedding.
British papers have reported that Ms Markle delayed the announcement over who would be walking her down the aisle for a few days as a mark of respect to her father.
Prince Harry and Ms Markle will tie the knot in a fairytale wedding ceremony tonight, which is set to be watched by billions of people around the world.
The 33-year-old gingerhaired prince and the stunning 36-year-old American actor will make their wedding vows at noon – 9pm Cairns time – in a medieval chapel in front of The Queen, royalty, celebrities and friends.
More than 100,000 people will line the streets of the historic royal township of Windsor, west of London, as the couple take a carriage-ride through the streets, accompanied by trumpet fanfares and soldiers on horseback.
The marriage between the popular Prince Harry and the poised American has generated a $1 billion spending boom in the UK, as the country readies for an enormous party atmosphere.
Tens of thousands of American tourists have flown to the UK to be a part of the historic event.
The prince and Ms Markle shrugged off a difficult week involving Ms Markle’s family and headed to Windsor Castle for final, secret wedding rehearsals.
The pair smiled as they were rushed through the crowds already gathering in Windsor. Hours later, they were to introduce Ms Ragland to The Queen, 92, who was spotted driving into Windsor Castle with one of her pet dogs alongside her.
Ms Ragland, a 61-year-old yoga teacher and social worker, had flown into the UK earlier from Los Angeles.
Earlier, the anxious bride had been in tears and issued a rare public statement confirming her father, a reclusive 73year-old who now lives in Mexico, would not be walking her down the aisle. He had undergone minor heart surgery in Mexico, and days earlier had embarrassed the royal family when it was revealed he was collaborating with the paparazzi.
Ms Markle made her name in the TV series Suits, and the stars of the show have all arrived in London.
The final touches were being put on the couple’s wedding cake, a modern lemon and elderflower creation designed for them by AmericanEnglish baker Claire Ptak.
Celebrities including David and Victoria Beckham are on the guest list, while Elton John, one of the late Princess Diana’s favourite performers, is hotly tipped to be singing at the reception.
Prince William, who will be best man, and his wife Catherine travelled to Windsor with Harry and Meghan for the final rehearsal. Buckingham Palace also confirmed last night that the 96-year-old Duke of Edinburgh would also attend.
The British Armed forces also undertook their final preparations for the big day, with the streets of Windsor shut down as soldiers, marching bands and horses wound their way along the carriage route.
Visitors lining the streets for today’s wedding will be subjected to airport-style security checks.