According to a book, Meghan Markle shocked King Charles III with her unexpected answer to his promise to escort her down the aisle.
Four years ago, on May 19, 2018, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry exchanged vows in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. They had previously announced their engagement in November of the previous year. Despite being a prestigious occasion, there had been some bumps in the road leading up to the ceremony. Royal biographer Robert Hardman, writing in his book Queen of Our Times: The Life of Elizabeth II, published this year, has given insight into what happened, including Meghan’s response to King Charles III kind gesture which left the Monarch somewhat taken aback.
There was a lot of chatter leading up to the wedding about whether Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle Sr., would accompany her down the aisle.
Days before the wedding, Meghan issued a statement announcing that her father would not be present. He may have had heart surgery, according to speculation.
The declaration said: “My father will regrettably not be present at our wedding. I’ve always taken good care of my father, and I hope he can get the time he needs to concentrate on getting better. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has sent kind notes of encouragement. Please know that Harry and I are really excited to share this special day with you.”
The Duchess was then expected to be escorted down St. George’s Chapel by Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, but her soon-to-be-husband then stepped in.
The response Charles received when he offered to perform the honours was “not quite what he was expecting,” according to Mr. Hardman’s book.
The Duchess of Sussex startled Charles by requesting him to meet her halfway down the aisle, despite his assurances to Meghan that he would be happy to escort her. According to Mr. Hardman, Meghan wanted to make her grand entry by herself.
The Prince of Wales offered to step in, adding that he would be honoured to accompany Meghan up the aisle of St. George’s Chapel to the altar, Mr. Hardman wrote. One friend claimed that the response, “Can we meet halfway?” was not precisely what he had anticipated.
This proved that she wasn’t a blushing bride but rather a strong, independent lady willing to make a statement on her own.
Harry expressed his gratitude to Charles for bringing Meghan down the aisle in the 2018 BBC One documentary Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70.
The Duke of Sussex claimed that it was he who had first approached Charles, but he added that his father had anticipated the request and had immediately accepted.
He stated: “He instantly said, “Yes, of course, I’ll do whatever Meghan needs and I’m here to help you,” when I requested him to and I believe he anticipated my request. Given that he is our father, he has a wonderful opportunity to stand up and provide that assistance. He will undoubtedly do so.”
At a garden party held at Buckingham Palace in 2018 following the wedding to celebrate the King’s 70th birthday, Harry also subsequently thanked Charles in a moving address.
In Camilla: From Outcast to Queen Consort, written by Angela Levin and released last year, she claims that Harry gave a “touching” speech in which he thanked his father for the “caring” way he had led Meghan partway down the aisle.
Meghan was viewed at the time as a “breath of fresh air” for the monarchy, and it was with “great satisfaction” that Harry had found someone with whom to share his life in the public eye.
Relations between the Duke and Duchess and the rest of the Royal Family have been strained since Meghan and Harry announced they were stepping down from their position as senior royals more than two years ago.
There remains, however, a glimmer of hope for unity in the future, a source told the Telegraph in September. It was said: “The King continues to cherish both of his children. There have been several glimmerings of hope during the past 16 days or so. There is hope for a reason for unification in the future.”
In his first speech as monarch, Charles also highlighted Harry and Meghan because he wanted to “convey his love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to establish their lives overseas.”
