Last night, Kensington Palace announced that Prince Harry’s bride Meghan Markle asked her future father-in-law, Prince Charles, to step in for the important role of giving her away.
And now the incredible moment is here.
No doubt a bittersweet time for the 36-year-old, whose father Thomas Markle Sr. had to pull out of due to ailing health.
Obsessed with the royals? Like our Facebook page Now To Love Royals for the latest news on all your favourite royal family members!
What a perfect moment!
“Thank you pa!”
The future King of England couldn’t have looked happier as he accompanied Meghan Markle down St George’s Chapel’s flower-adorned aisle.
Breaking with tradition, Meghan Markle and just her adorable bridal party of pageboys and flower girls walked half-way down the aisle, until she met Prince Charles at the Quire.
Instead of “giving her away”, Prince Charles stood back as Meghan stepped forward to her husband, Prince Harry.
The historical moment played out to the etheral sounds of George Frideric Handel’s Eternal Source of Light Divine, which is known as the Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne, and performed by Welsh singer Elin Manahan Thomas with the musical backing by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia, conducted by British violinist Christopher Warren-Green.
According to CNN, the actor came up with the plan and both Harry and Charles were “delighted” with it.
Meghan is the first-ever royal bride to walk down the aisle unescorted for a proportion of time.
Prince Charles has spoken fondly of Meghan and it’s clear these two have formed a strong bong.
“It’s absolutely marvellous. I’m sure it will be a very special day for everybody,” the Prince of Wales beamed last week of the upcoming celebrations.
However the absence of her father would no doubt be playing on the bride’s mind and according to The Sun, the high-stake emotions of the past week came to a climax during their wedding rehearsals on Thursday evening.
Sources told The Sun Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and best man Prince William all teared up over the absence of Meghan Markle’s father Thomas Markle.
“They were both in tears at what is going on with Meghan’s father in America and Prince William was pretty upset as well,” an insider explained to the publication.
Thomas Markle said he was “honoured and grateful” that Prince Charles could step in.
Prince Charles sat with his wife and daughter-in-law Kate.
Kensington Palace said in a statement last night: “Ms. Meghan Markle has asked His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle of the Quire of St George’s Chapel on her Wedding Day.
“The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms. Markle to The Royal Family in this way.”
In another moving touch, the church choir will belt out the 1960 smash hit Stand By Me before prince Harry and Meghan Markle exchange their wedding vows.
