Share
Commentary

Royal Couple Announces Wedding Day Shake-Up That Has Traditionalists Enraged

Share

Leave it to an American to shake up Great Britain.

That’s what U.S. actress and future royal wife Meghan Markle is doing as she and Prince Harry plan their wedding, and some of her “non-traditional” choices are raising eyebrows on both sides of the Atlantic.

While Britain’s royal weddings are usually fairy-tale events steeped in centuries of tradition and formality, people close to Markle are reporting that the “Suits” star wants to bend the rules a bit, especially when it comes to her diverse family.

The bride is usually escorted down the aisle by her father. That might not be happening this time if the latest member of the royal family gets her way.

“A source close to the pair tells Us Weekly that the actress wants her mother Doria Ragland to be the one to give her away,” the celebrity magazine stated.

“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,” Us Weekly continued, citing an unnamed confidant.

That could cause drama among Markle’s already fragmented family, however. The royal bride’s half-sister Samantha Markle recently told the same periodical that their father, Thomas Markle, likely wants to be the one to present his daughter at the ceremony.

“I’m sure he wants to walk her down the aisle. I know he wants to do it,” Samantha told Us Magazine. “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.”

Meghan Markle’s brother Thomas Markle Jr. also threw his name into the hat as a possible escort on the big day, further complicating the matter.

“I don’t know if she gets to invite who she wants. But she’ll reach out if she wants me there, she’ll call me,” he told the Daily Mail last month.

“She knows where to find me. But that’s up to her, there’s no pressure. I wouldn’t mind seeing my little sister have the biggest wedding in the world. That would be incredible. If my dad doesn’t walk her down the aisle, then I will.”

Three different family members, three different people who want to hand off Meghan to the man who is fifth in line to be the England monarch.

It’s a complicated situation, and one that Prince Harry himself has not helped with his recent comments. The 33-year-old aristocrat put his foot in his mouth not long ago, when he seemed to ignore Meghan’s biological family by calling the Buckingham Palace crowd “the family she never had.”

By the time the May ceremony arrives, both America and the United Kingdom might have royal wedding fatigue. However, there’s no denying that this event is one of the biggest and most talked about marriages in recent years.

Related:
LGBT Activism on the Ropes: 'No One Wants to Join That Team'

The fact that Markle is both a “commoner” — if you can say that about a millionaire actress — and an American has brought an extra spotlight to the wedding. Like it or not, both the Brits and the Yanks seem to like their celebrity gossip, and they’re certainly getting their fill with this engagement.

H/T Rare.us

Press “Share on Facebook” if you found this article interesting!

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
, , ,
Share
Benjamin Arie is an independent journalist and writer. He has personally covered everything ranging from local crime to the U.S. president as a reporter in Michigan before focusing on national politics. Ben frequently travels to Latin America and has spent years living in Mexico.




Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.

Conversation