Thomas Markle was set to perform the role every bride hopes her father will be able to fulfil, walking his daughter down the aisle.
But if the speculation is confirmed, Meghan Markle’s father will not be by her side as she walks into the medieval chapel to exchange wedding vows with Prince Harry.
That role may fall to a male friend of Harry and his bride-to-be, someone whom she trusts and can provide comforting support as she walks into her new life as a member of the royal family.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “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.”
— PA Royal Reporters (@PARoyal) May 14, 2018
Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland will be in the wedding congregation, but without her father there is likely to be something missing beyond a trusting arm to hold on to.
It is also the duty of the father of the bride to give a speech at the evening dinner, that tradition may fall to the US actress’ mother to represent Ms Markle’s family.
Before the ceremony at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel, Mr Markle was expected to perform another duty organised by engaged couples around the globe, the meeting of the in-laws.
‘He was living a very quiet and peaceful life… he was avoiding the media’ Samantha Markle speaks about her father ahead of #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/By9i8Nhcpc
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) May 15, 2018
The former lighting director and his ex-wife were due to sit down to tea with the Queen and the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
It would be an informal chat where the ice would be broken and the two families could get to know one another, albeit in the likely setting of Buckingham Palace.
Mr Markle’s absence is unlikely to be filled by another family member and it will be down to Ms Ragland to represent both of them.
