Queen Elizabeth Wasn't "Comfortable" When King Charles Walked Meghan Markle Down the Aisle
The monarch was reportedly "uneasy" with the decision.


At her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018, Meghan Markle was walked down the aisle by King Charles. Harry's dad stood in for Meghan's own father, Thomas Markle, who was unable to attend the royal wedding. Harry subsequently revealed that Charles had enjoyed showing his support for the couple by walking with the Duchess of Sussex. However, a royal expert has now suggested that Queen Elizabeth wasn't necessarily on board with the decision.
In her new book, My Mother and I, royal expert Ingrid Seward revealed that the queen was "uneasy" with Charles' decision (via RadarOnline). According to Seward, "The Queen was not comfortable with the Prince of Wales standing in for Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, and was similarly concerned about a 96-year-old Prince Philip walking down the aisle without a stick, having had a hip replacement only five weeks before."
In what seems like a major dig at Meghan, Seward also claimed that Prince Philip regarded the Duchess of Sussex as "the new Wallis Simpson." Simpson, of course, was the American divorcée whom Edward VIII abdicated the throne for.
It's unclear why Queen Elizabeth was uncomfortable with Charles' decision to walk Meghan down the aisle. It's also worth noting that the Duchess of Sussex walked herself down the first half of the aisle, and that the royal wedding itself was generally regarded as pretty spectacular.
A lot has changed since Meghan and Harry tied the knot. The couple left the U.K. for a new life in Montecito, California, where they are raising their two children—son Prince Archie and daughter Princess Lilibet. A much talked about royal family rift has also ensued, with Meghan and Harry sadly remaining at odds with their relatives. However, the Sussexes are reportedly hoping to heal family relations in the near future.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Amy Mackelden is the weekend editor at Marie Claire, where she covers celebrity and royal family news. She was the weekend editor at Harper’s BAZAAR for three years, where she covered breaking celebrity and entertainment news, royal stories, fashion, beauty, and politics. Prior to that, she spent a year as the joint weekend editor for Marie Claire, ELLE, and Harper's BAZAAR, and two years as an entertainment writer at Bustle. Her additional bylines include Cosmopolitan, People, The Independent, HelloGiggles, Biography, Shondaland, Best Products, New Statesman, Heat, and The Guardian. Her work has been syndicated by publications including Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Delish, Oprah Daily, Country Living, and Women's Health. Her celebrity interviews include Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Chastain, the cast of Selling Sunset, Emma Thompson, Jessica Alba, and Penn Badgley. In 2015, she delivered an academic paper at Kimposium, the world's first Kardashian conference.
-
Selena Gomez Is the Cropped Blazer Trend's Final Boss
This style simply works on her.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The Most Striking Beauty Moments in Met Gala History
Elaborate and extraordinary.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Princess Madeleine Can't Use Royal Title to Promote Skincare Line
"I will use my name Madeleine Bernadotte in my work with MinLen."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Queen Camilla Has Been Issued a "Strict" Warning Regarding Her Meeting With the Pope
Her royal tour of Italy comes with a unique set of rules.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Confirms Skinny Jeans Are Back by Finally Revealing Her Favorite Frame Denim
It's never been easier to dress like a duchess.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
New Prince Archie Photo Proves He Takes After Dad Prince Harry in Two Very Important Ways
Father and son have much more in common than their vibrant red hair.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Shared a Rare Video Filmed by Prince Harry on Instagram
And she used her nickname for him in the shoutout she wrote in the video's caption.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
The "Impactful" Change Prince William Has Made to Royal Protocol as He "Splits" From King Charles
"It's a model you're likely to see more of," a royal source explained.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Prince William Decided to Eliminate Queen Elizabeth's "No Selfies" Rule Completely
The Prince of Wales has shattered royal protocol when it comes to taking pictures with fans.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Sent a Handwritten Note to a Podcaster Who Said She Was "Scared" for the Royal Before Her Netflix Show Premiered
Mailing a handwritten note to reply to an Instagram comment might be the most Meghan Markle thing of all time.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Prince Harry’s Ex, Cressida Bonas, Is Launching a Podcast and Princess Eugenie Is Already Lined Up as a Guest
Other famous faces in the podcast's launch announcement video include Kate Winslet, Mary Berry, and Camilla Alves McConaughey.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published