15 August 2023 , 06:00
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When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry, the lead-up to their fairytale wedding was certainly dramatic.
There were seemingly clashes over tiaras, a reported row with the Princess of Wales about bridesmaids' dresses and other logistical problems that no doubt left the palace with a headache. But when the day arrived, all of the royals packed into St George's Chapel to see the couple exchange vows while Meghan wowed in her stunning Givenchy wedding gown.
But despite the beautiful day, there was one major relative missing from the ceremony, Meghan's dad Thomas Markle. With less than a week to go before the big day, he announced he would not be attending, leaving the bride with nobody to walk her down the aisle.
Meghan with her father-in-law Charles along with Princes Harry and William (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Luckily, Meghan's future father-in-law Charles then offered to step in telling his daughter-in-law he would be honoured to escort her to the altar of the chapel. But according to a book, her reply to this gesture was somewhat unexpected by the then Prince of Wales.
Writing in Queen of Our Times, author Robert Hardman says: "The reply, according to one friend, was not quite what he was expecting: "Can we meet halfway?'" Here was an indicator that this was no blushing bride, but a confident, independent woman determined to make a grand entrance on her own."
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Charles accompanies Meghan up the aisle in St George's Chapel (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Since that day, a lot has happened for Harry and Meghan from welcoming their two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to quitting their royal roles and leaving the UK for California. And the couple's relationship with the likes of the King, as well as Prince William and Kate has come under strain.
The bond between Harry and royal relatives is believed to have suffered since the publication of his controversial memoir Spare, where we revealed a physical fight between him and William and claimed Charles didn't hug him after his mother Princess Diana died. Harry also criticised his family in his and Meghan's bombshell Netflix series too.
However, it has now been suggested that amid potential tension with the wider family, the Sussexes' are focused on their children Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two. A source told People that Meghan has taken a "much softer approach" about her husband's family since the couple's interview with Oprah Winfrey two years ago. The interview was broadcast in 2021, following their relocation to the US. The source said that "the situation" with father and his brother is "still very difficult" for him but added that Meghan is "always supportive" and even though she used to be "negative" about it.