Days Before Royal Wedding, Meghan Markle's Father Backs Out. Here's Who Might Walk Her Down Aisle
The media spotlight hasn’t been gentle on Thomas Markle, father of the soon-to-be royal bride, Meghan Markle. Though Markle has tried to stay away from the relentless paparazzi during his daughter’s engagement to Prince Harry, it hasn’t been easy.
Markle has been painted as recluse, hiding out in Mexico and estranged from his daughter. Media outlets speculated as to whether or not Markle would be invited to the wedding, and whether or not he’d play a role in walking his daughter down the aisle.
Eventually, it was settled that Markle would take on the traditional fatherly role of escorting the royal bride down the aisle on her wedding day.
But now, just days before the royal wedding set for May 19, Thomas Markle has confirmed he will not be in London to walk his daughter down the aisle.
According to TMZ, Markle, 73, reportedly suffered a heart attack sometime last week. He claimed to have checked himself out of a hospital in order to attend his daughter’s wedding, but ultimately decided it might be best if he just stayed out of it.
Markle reportedly feels his presence at the royal event might embarrass the royal family or his daughter. While Meghan Markle is likely feeling a spectrum of emotions over his decision, the wedding will still go on — and is sure to be a beautiful, celebrated event.
At the beginning of the year, reports circulated that Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, might be the one to escort her daughter down the aisle come May. The mother and daughter have a close relationship, so its entirely possible that Meghan may break royal tradition by choosing her mother to escort her down the aisle.
Kensington Palace has not yet confirmed who will take over Thomas Markle’s role on Saturday. If Ragland is not going to fill the vacancy, there are still other possibilities.
Prince William could be up to the task as her soon-to-be brother-in-law. Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, and Meghan already have a tight-knit friendship, so it would make sense for Prince William to take Thomas Markle’s place.
Less likely, but still plausible, would be for Prince Charles to take on the role. If her father can’t make it, it would be a lovely, heartwarming gesture for Meghan’s future father-in-law to escort the bride on her historic day.
Of course, another option would be for the bride and groom to enter together and walk down the aisle as a symbol of unity. Prince Harry could very well be the man to walk his bride down the aisle come Saturday.
Meghan Markle, herself a strong, independent woman, might simply opt for a solo run. She could walk down the aisle on her own, though most fans would probably rather see a loved one by her side, offering support during such a poignant moment in her life.
Regardless of what the bride decides, the royal wedding is sure to be a beautiful event, with thousands of supporters cheering the young couple on.
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