Serena shows how to have a father-free wedding
Serena Williams could not have chosen a better moment to reveal why she walked herself down the aisle at her wedding last year to Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, the internet chat room.
Her father was supposed to be there to do the honours, but just an hour before the ceremony he called her and explained he was just too anxious to go ahead.
With 23 Grand Slams under her belt, Serena took the news in her stride and, instead of frantically searching for a stand-in, decided to walk in by herself.
After several stressful days, Meghan Markle has brought clarity to confusion by announcing that her father, Thomas, will not accompany her down the aisle of St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
Her mother, Doria, may yet do the honours, but I hope our new royal bride will be reassured that, should she choose to go it alone on the day, a superstar precedent has been set.
Traditions, like royalty itself, must of necessity evolve.