Who Will Walk Meghan Markle Down the Aisle?
Meghan Markle planned to have her father Thomas Markle Sr. walk her down the aisle at her wedding to Prince Harry this weekend. Then everything changed. Earlier this week, Thomas admitted to staging paparazzi photographs of himself in order to improve his public image.
The subsequent scandal led him to state he would no longer attend the wedding "because he doesn't want to embarrass the royal family or his daughter." Then, Thomas told TMZ he still wants to go after all, but his presence is contingent on his doctor’s approval. He suffered a heart attack last week and says he was just readmitted to the hospital with serious chest pain.
His oldest daughter and Meghan's half-sister Samantha Markle has further complicated the situation by claiming responsibility for the posed pictures. Both allege the stunt was "not for money."
While Kensington Palace has not confirmed Thomas's absence yet, a spokesman issued a brief statement yesterday. "This is a deeply personal moment for Ms. Markle in the days before her wedding," it reads. "She and Prince Harry ask again for understanding and respect to be extended to Mr. Markle in this difficult situation."
The ordeal place both the palace and her bride herself in limbo. Meghan reportedly still wants her dad to perform the duty, but given the questions about his health, a Plan B may come into play.
Luckily, many loyal supporters can step up to the plate and escort Meghan on Saturday, May 19.
Her Mom, Doria Ragland
One of the most obvious choices is Meghan's mom, Doria Ragland. The two are close; Meghan lived with her mother after her parents' divorce. Plus she's already scheduled to ride in the car with the bride to St. George's Chapel that morning.
This wouldn't be the first time that a woman has escorted her daughter in a royal wedding either. Queen Victoria gave away her youngest child, Princess Beatrice, in 1885 when she married Prince Henry of Battenberg.
Prince William
A member of the royal family might also take on the duty. Prince William already has the honor of serving as his brother's best man, but there's more recent historical precedent for this option. Brother-in-law Prince Philip escorted Princess Margaret down the aisle at her 1960 wedding after her father King George VI passed away.
Prince Philip is scheduled to attend the ceremony this weekend as well, but it's unlikely he's well enough for the long walk down the chapel. He recently underwent hip replacement surgery and would probably feel more comfortable sitting amongst the guests, if he attends at all.
Prince Charles
The father of the groom has no official duty during the ceremony, so he's definitely available if it came down to it. He's also a big supporter of the couple; the Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall are hosting the evening wedding reception at Frogmore House.
Herself
Meghan has already established her independence as an accomplished 36-year-old woman. Walking through the chapel solo would make the ultimate statement about inner strength and her conviction in joining the royal family.
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