DADDY DUTIES
Who’s giving Meghan Markle away at the Royal Wedding and what other duties does the father of the bride have?
THE royal wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle takes place in just a matter of days at St George’s Chapel, in Windsor Castle.
All eyes will be on the 36-year-old as she walks down the aisle to marry her prince. Here's the lowdown on who will be by her side - after she confirmed her father would not attend her wedding.
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Who will give Meghan Markle away?
As soon as their engagement was announced, there was much speculation about who would be involved on the big day.
Initially, it was officially confirmed Thomas Markle was attending and taking on the important task.
A statement from the Kensington Palace shed more light on the details of the big day.
It said: “Both of the bride's parents will have important roles in the wedding.
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“On the morning of the wedding, Ms Ragland will travel with Ms Markle by car to Windsor Castle.
“Mr Markle will walk his daughter down the aisle of St George's Chapel.
“Ms Markle is delighted to have her parents by her side on this important and happy occasion.”
The release added the pair would fly into London ahead of the ceremony to meet with the royals.
The statement from the Prince of Wales added: “The first thing I would like to share is that Prince Harry and Ms Markle are very much looking forward to welcoming Ms Markle's parents to Windsor for the wedding.
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“Mr Thomas Markle and Ms Doria Ragland will be arriving in the UK in the week of the wedding, allowing time for Prince Harry's family, including The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, to spend time with them before the big day.”
However, on May 14, US media he had been struck down by a heart problem and pulled out of the ceremony after realising he might be too ill to make the trip.
The shocking revelation came just days before the wedding.
Along with his health problems, it is thought a staged deal for photos with a paparazzi agency complicated the issue.
Kensington Palace issued this statement on May 15: "This is a deeply personal moment for Ms Markle in the days before her wedding.
“She and Prince Harry ask again for understanding and respect to be extended to Mr Markle in this difficult situation.”
But in a further twist Thomas then that he DID want to attend the wedding – although his doctors might not let him travel due to recent health scares.
In an apparent U-turn, he said: "I hate the idea of missing one of the greatest moments in history and walking my daughter down the aisle".
But the heart surgery he underwent on May 16 meant he would not be attending his daughter's nuptials.
A statement released on May 17 by Meghan herself confirmed her dad would not be at the wedding.
It read: "Sadly my father will not be attending our wedding. I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health.
"I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous messages of support."
Kensington Palace released an official statement confirming that Prince Charles will be walking Meghan Markle down the aisle this Saturday.
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Why does the father of the bride walk his daughter down the aisle?
Weddings are steeped in history and tradition.
Some things, such as a dowry, have fallen out of favour, while brides wearing white on their big day is still going strong.
Fathers usually walked their daughters down the aisle as previously, unwed women were the property of their dad.
Typically marriages were arranged, so a father would pick a suitable man for his daughter, and the dowry essentially signified payment for the woman.
The father would take his daughter and hand her over to her husband-to-be, as she effectively changed ownership from her father to her husband.
What are his duties?
As well as walking his daughter down the aisle, traditionally the father was expected to pay for the wedding.
Nowadays this isn’t the case, and often the parents of both parties will chip in.
Dads are also supposed to travel with the bride to the venue, and arranging transport is generally their department.
After all the legalities and formalities are over, the father is also supposed to give a speech.
And another tradition which has stood the test of time, the pair have a father-daughter dance.
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