With only days to go until Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot, Meghan’s father has announced that he will no longer be attending the May 19 nuptials.
Caught up in scandal earlier this week, Thomas Markle Sr. was caught staging paparazzi photos of himself, including one of himself looking at pictures of his daughter online, getting fitted for a suit, and reading a book on ‘Britain’s Greatest Monuments’. The former lighting director has made the decision to ‘not embarrass his daughter‘ anymore.
Thomas had previously been set to walk his daughter down the aisle at St. George’s Chapel on Saturday.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: ‘This is a deeply personal moment for Ms. Markle in the days before her wedding. She and Prince Harry ask again for understanding and respect to be extended to Mr. Markle in this difficult situation.’
Now, the question remains – who will be given the task of walking Meghan down the aisle?
Her mother, Doria Ragland
The most obvious choice is Meghan’s mother, Doria. Meghan and her mother are incredibly close, and Doria has gotten to know Harry over the past year.
Doria is expected to accompany her daughter to St. George’s Chapel by car from Cliveden House Hotel, where she and Meghan will stay the night before the wedding. Upon arrival, Meghan was supposed to be greeted by her father, who would then walk her down the aisle. With Thomas no longer set to be in attendance on the big day, it’s quite possible that Doria would take his place to walk her daughter down the aisle.
Her future father-in-law, Prince Charles
If Meghan’s father is unable to attend the wedding, it’s believed Prince Charles could possibly step in. Charles has no other official duty during the wedding, and he and wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall have been excited about Meghan’s arrival into the family ever since the announcement of the couple’s engagement in November last year.
Her future grandfather-in-law, Prince Philip
Considering Prince Philip’s recent hip replacement surgery, the chances that he’ll be asked to complete the honourable task of walking Meghan down the aisle is unlikely. However, it is believed that Prince Philip has been an advocate of Meghan since Harry first told his family about her – and might be one of Meghan’s top choices.
Her future brother-in-law, Prince William
Harry’s big brother Prince William could be in line for the job! When Princess Margaret married Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960, her brother-in-law Prince Philip walked her down the aisle, as her father, King George VI, had died in 1952. However, considering William is Harry’s best-man, he could be quite busy during the ceremony.
Her best friend, Jessica Mulroney
It has long been documented that Meghan’s best friend Jessica Mulroney has played a key role in planning her May 19 wedding. So, what better way to celebrate all the help that Mulroney has chipped into the big day than asking her to accompany Meghan down the aisle. However, same as William, Mulroney is tipped to be standing beside Meghan on the day and might be occupied with other duties.
Herself
Meghan has always been an outspoken advocate for self-serving women. The bride-to-be could feel that walking herself down the aisle would show personal strength as she prepares to enter the world’s most famous family.
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