Even years later, the story of Meghan and Harry’s 2018 wedding continues to fascinate royal watchers—not just for the fairy-tale elements, but for the family drama that unfolded behind the scenes.
From a gospel choir singing Stand By Me to a lemon and elderflower cake, the ceremony blended tradition with modern touches.
Yet perhaps the most talked-about deviation was the absence of Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, from the aisle.
Thomas Markle Steps Back
Just weeks before the wedding, Thomas Markle withdrew from walking Meghan down the aisle amid a scandal over staged paparazzi photos.
Friends revealed that Meghan was devastated, as her father reportedly wanted to spare her further embarrassment.
The photos had shown him being measured for a suit and reviewing newspaper stories about his daughter, fueling public speculation and media frenzy.
Prince Charles Steps In
In a last-minute solution, Meghan asked Prince Charles to walk her halfway down the aisle, allowing her to make the grand entrance she had envisioned.
Charles gladly accepted, calling it a way to support both Meghan and Harry.
While he was happy to step in, not all royal family members shared his enthusiasm.
The Queen was reportedly uncomfortable with Charles taking Thomas’s place, and Prince Philip, recovering from a hip replacement, also had reservations about walking the aisle.
Meghan’s Independence Shines Through
Royal experts have pointed out that Meghan’s decision to ask Charles to meet her halfway was a statement of her independence.
According to biographer Robert Hardman, Meghan was “a confident, independent woman determined to make a grand entrance on her own.”
The idea of her mother, Doria Ragland, walking her down the aisle was discussed, but ultimately dismissed out of concern for the enormous global audience watching.
Family Tensions Remain
Thomas Markle did not attend the wedding, citing health issues, and Meghan’s half-siblings were not invited due to distant relationships.
Only her mother, Doria, was present to support her daughter on the big day.
This absence has cast a long shadow over the father-daughter relationship, which reportedly has not been repaired since 2018.
Prince Charles’ Experience with Giving Away Brides
Charles had prior experience stepping into this role.
Two years earlier, he gave away Princess Diana’s goddaughter, Alexandra Knatchbull, when her father was unwell.
This precedent made it less surprising that Charles would once again provide support during such a high-profile ceremony.
The Queen’s Quiet Disapproval
Even as Meghan and Harry’s wedding delighted millions, the Queen reportedly had her private reservations.
Royal biographers suggest she was concerned about Meghan’s perceived bossiness and the couple’s handling of certain interactions in the lead-up to the wedding.
In private, the Queen made subtle comments, such as remarking that Meghan’s Givenchy gown was “too white,” reflecting her discomfort with some aspects of the day.
Balancing Royal Duties and Personal Expression
Meghan later reflected on her time as a working royal, admitting she often couldn’t be fully vocal and wore clothes that were “not very myself.”
She described the challenge of trying to remain relatable while upholding the strict expectations of royal life.
A Fractured Father-Daughter Relationship
Meghan and Thomas Markle have reportedly not spoken since May 2018, and he has never met Harry or his grandchildren.
The events surrounding the wedding appear to have caused lasting strain, leaving many hoping for a future reconciliation, even as the relationship remains deeply fractured.