Why Is Prince Charles Walking Meghan Markle Down the Aisle?
The honor isn't going to her mother, Doria Ragland, after all.

Today, Kensington Palace announced who will walk Meghan Markle down the aisle at the Royal Wedding tomorrow: The honor goes to her future father-in-law Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.
"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," Kensington Palace announced in a statement today. "The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms. Markle to The Royal Family in this way."
An update on the #RoyalWedding: pic.twitter.com/wfJ6ZFyzHiMay 18, 2018
But why Prince Charles?
Kensington Palace had previously announced that Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, would be walking her down the aisle. After it was confirmed that he wouldn't be able to attend the wedding after all, many suspected Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, would step in to do the honor. Thomas Markle reportedly thought his ex-wife was the right person to take his place, and it was previously reported that Meghan wanted to break royal tradition from the beginning and have her mom, whom she is very close to, accompany her down the aisle at St George's Chapel.
But the reason why that isn't happening may be because of the Queen.
MarieClaire.com's royal wedding expert, Caroline Castigliano, explains that by tradition, if the bride's father cannot be the one to give her away, it would then defer to the second male in her family: in Meghan's case, her half-brother, Thomas Jr. "Normally it would go to the next male in line in her family, but I understand her brother is not coming. It's a very difficult situation."
"I think Harry would want to do what his grandmother sees as appropriate as a sign of respect to her," Castigliano continues. "They just wouldn't have her mother walk her down the aisle because it wouldn't be what made the Queen feel comfortable, especially at her age."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Because of this, Charles would be seen as the most appropriate choice because he's, well, a man, and Meghan's future father-in-law. It's a nice way for Prince Charles to show his support for his son, Prince Harry, as well as Meghan—but it would have been exciting for Meghan to buck to tradition and have her mother stand up with her on Saturday.
"There's going to be all sorts of opportunities for Harry to break with tradition and get things to move in a slightly different direction, but at this point I'm sure his respect for the Queen is the most important thing," Castigliano says.
But according to a royal journalist, the reason may not be because of royal traditions at all—Charles may walk Meghan down the aisle in an effort to take some of the pressure off of her mother. Duncan Larcombe tells Harper's Bazaar UK that his sources report that Meghan did ask her mother to step in, but they decided it was too much in the end.
"Doria and Meghan discussed it but she just didn't feel she could go through with it," Larcombe says. "According to the guidance I've been given, Meghan felt that it would be too much to expect her mother to perform such an important role when more than one billion people are expected to be watching."
Larcombe says it was actually Harry who thought Charles could be the one to step up. "I'm told that it was Harry who suggested asking his father if he would step into the breach," he says, explaining that Charles, who has 69 years of royal experience under his belt, is the perfect solution. "Just his presence by her side will calm Meghan and make the terrifying prospect of a royal wedding far less frightening. She will be able to let Charles take the lead and calmly make sure nothing goes wrong...In contrast if her mother was by her side, it would have been down to Meghan to perform that calming role."
RELATED STORIES
Dedicated to women of power, purpose, and style, Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. Reaching millions of women every month, Marie Claire is an internationally recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
Why One Former Queen Was Held "Prisoner" at Kensington Palace
She was forbidden "from reading popular books" or walking "downstairs without holding someone's hand."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Dua Lipa Pairs Her Snakeskin Trench With a Chanel Bag
The pop star's new rules scream loud luxury.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Refused to Abide by a 350-Year-Old Royal Tradition
She insisted on doing this one very important thing her way, according to a royal expert.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why One Former Queen Was Held "Prisoner" at Kensington Palace by Her Mother
She was forbidden "from reading popular books" or walking "downstairs without holding someone's hand."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
7 Times the Royal Family Broke Queen Elizabeth's More Understated "Rule"
These royal women are doing it their way.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Just Keeps Getting Busier With Major New Business Announcement
April will bring an exciting new venture for the duchess.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Jewelry Expert Reveals Who Owns the Most Expensive Royal Engagement Ring
From pink sapphires to classic diamonds, these regal rings don't disappoint.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry Proves He's a Total Girl Dad in Sweet New Photo of Daughter Princess Lilibet
Lilibet is curled up in her dad's lap in the previously unseen snap.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle and Son Prince Archie Are Basically Twins in Photos Taken Decades Apart
The Duchess of Sussex just shared a throwback photo from her time as a Girl Scout.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Pairs Cartier With Crocs for the Ultimate High-Low 'With Love, Meghan' Moment
Many of the Duchess of Sussex's looks are under $300 in her new Netflix series.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle's As Ever Lineup Will Include One Fanciful Product Used on Her Netflix Show
You're going to want to use it on everything.
By Kristin Contino Published