While the countdown to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s royal wedding is officially underway, a source close to the couple tells Us Weekly that the bride-to-be wants her mother, Doria Ragland, to walk her down the aisle when they tie the knot at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on May 18.
Traditionally, the bride is escorted by her father, but Markle and her mother have always held a close relationship.
“I’ve heard that Meghan wants her mother to walk her down the aisle, which would be a sweet moment,” said the source. “With the wedding, they both want to do things their way. While they will always be mindful of traditions and the views of their elders, the day is ultimately about them and what they want to do.”
The actress was raised by both of her parents in Los Angeles, but they divorced when Markle was six. After the divorce, she lived with her mom, who is a yoga instructor and social worker. Ragland was spotted with Markle during one of the couple’s first major outings at the Invictus Games in Canada earlier this year, and following the official engagement announcement in November 2017, voiced her support for the royal couple.
While Markle and her father have a “reclusive” relationship, her estranged half-sister, Samantha Markle, told Us Weekly that he would be honored to be by her side. “I’m sure he wants to walk her down the aisle. I know he wants to do it. He’s a shy guy now, he’s a quiet man, but he’ll speak when he feels it’s appropriate. He gave me permission to say how happy he is, but he’ll talk when he’s ready,” she said.
Markle and Prince Harry are certainly shaking things up with their upcoming nuptials. “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 as possible throughout the day,” the insider said.
The Palace has not yet released details of who will be walking Markle down the aisle, so we will have to wait to see what kind of unconventional surprises she actually has planned. But one thing is certain, every bride deserves to choose what makes her wedding day most special.