A report from US Weekly, which claimed soon-to-be Royal Meghan Markle wanted her mother Doria Ragland to give her away, was shut down by Meghan’s estranged half-sister.
Now, in exciting Royal wedding news, it seems Markle’s dad, Thomas Markle will be flying over from his retirement home in Mexico to be with his daughter on her wedding day.
A close friend of Tom Markle has confirmed to the Mail on Sunday that the 73-year-old has received his invite and “he will” be walking his daughter down the aisle to marry Prince Harry.
The friend of Daddy Markle told the publication that he’s extremely excited about the wedding.
“He’s very close to her [Meghan] and he’s very happy. All the pressure has been hard on him and he’s just trying to stay out of the limelight,” she continues.
Mr Markle confirmed that the woman who shared the personal information was a close friend of his, but refused to say anything else.
Thomas, pictured with a newborn Meghan, like Doria is still close to the royal-in-waiting.
Meghan’s parents, Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland, released a joint statement through the palace shortly after the couple’s engagement was announced, but they haven’t spoken directly about the happy news — until now.
Thomas was recently tracked down by The Mirror near Rosarito Beach, Mexico, where he’s believed to live a “reclusive” existence. He opened up briefly while picking up supplies.
He was asked if he planned on walking his daughter down the aisle, to which he simply replied: “Yes. I’d love to.”
The 73-year-old added that he was “very pleased” and “delighted” about the engagement news, but declined to say anything else on the matter.
“I’m sorry. You know I can’t talk,” he said.
In his initial joint statement with ex-wife Doria, Thomas shared a similar sentiment.
“We are incredibly happy for Meghan and Harry. Our daughter has always been a kind and loving person. To see her union with Harry, who shares the same qualities, is a source of great joy for us as parents,” they said in a statement issued through Clarence House. “We wish them a lifetime of happiness and are very excited for their future together.”
Meghan shares the same father with her two half siblings.
US Weekly claimed the Suits star wanted to break with tradition and involve her yoga instructor mother on her big day.
“I’ve heard that Meghan wants her mother to walk her down the aisle, which would be a sweet moment,” a source said.
Adding: “The day of the wedding itself will certainly hold a few unconventional surprises. Don’t expect a royal wedding by numbers. They want to involve their friends and family as much in as much as possible throughout the day.”
“Harry has never been one to follow instructions and both he and Meghan are extremely independent individuals. I wouldn’t imagine for one second that they plan to sit back and be told what to do — and they won’t.”
The only way we’ll know for sure is when Kensington Palace officially announce the bridal party via their social media channels.
