Harry and Meghan: Wedding Suggestions and Musings

[Lumutqueen]

I did find this tweet quite amusing:

https://twitter.com/x/status/996098505759494144

 

[Mbruno]

Meghan's father is not going to the Royal Wedding.



Meghan Markle's Father is Not Going to the Royal Wedding, Suffered Heart Attack | TMZ.com

That is horrible news and casts a shadow over what should be otherwise a happy occasion.

 

[Kimmyel]

You don't have to be at the ceremony to receive your emmy. Just sayin'.

 

[Zonk]

And her friends...now it makes sense why she is so close to her friends.

 

[tommy100]

If her father is not going then I suspect its his choice, from a PR point of view it is a nightmare and I'm sure KP would rather he attended as planned- the excitement of the day itself taking away the sting in the posing for photos and then it would not have mattered if we never saw or heard from her father again. The wedding would have gone as planned, the good will form it would have papered over some of the damage done by Meghan's father and people would have said - well he is her father and if she wants him there...

I guess from KPs point of view things aren't helped by Meghan not having the most straight forward of relationships with members of her family, that inevitably makes it harder for them to help the soon to be "in-law" family. They seemed to do a much better job with the Middleton's and I suspect that was because W&K were together so long but also because Kate was so close to her family.

I have to say in many ways I will be quite glad once the wedding is here and done, its quite a drama at the moment!

 

[Mbruno]

If the story is true, Mr Markle did the decent thing by cancelling. He has sold his daughter out for money by posing for those paparazzi pictures and is a colossal embarrassment to her and to himself. How awful for the couple having to deal with such things so shortly before the wedding.

I am very surprised the palace did not sort this thing out. The press attention must be confusing for the family and they could have used some preparation and instructions perhaps.

In the Anglican church the bride is always escorted down the aisle by her father? Or does she sometimes arrive with the groom, as is the custom in a few other protestant churches.

I don't think the bride ever arrives with the groom, because, symbolically, she is leaving one family (her father's) to join another (the groom's family). In fact, the traditional Anglican liturgy still includes the father "giving away this woman to marry this man". It is terribly old-fashioned, even more so than the Roman Catholic wedding liturgy, which, as you may have noticed from Felipe and Letizia's or Guillaume and Stéphanie's weddings , has been actually greatly modernized lately.

 

[wyevale]

the strong wish that a wedding will be soon over.

No doubt the Bridal couple wish they had simply eloped to Gretna Green. and had done with it...

 

[sndral]

I don't feel sorry for him at this point. I did, but the whole photo staging thing changed that.
Not only that, but the staged flowers on Doria's porch pix was the deal breaker, I would imagine that Doria read him the riot act about that little stunt - she has done everything possible to avoid the press and there he is drawing attention to her - I'd be livid if my ex did something like that.
As a mother I'm sure that Doria is very angry that poor Meghan has been hit w/ this drama on the eve of her wedding and it wouldn't surprise me if Doria didn't give Thomas, Sr. a piece of her mind over the whole thing, I know I would have if it had been my child hurt by these antics.
The whole heart attack excuse, maybe, I imagine the stress has been huge and Mr. Markle, Sr. is in his 70s isn't he? On the other hand haven't we seen that maneuver from Sam - claiming some kind of illness to deflect responsibility for some bone headed action?
With most royal weddings the biggest suspense for me on the day of the wedding is which tiara will I see, not this wedding - now my question is who will walk Meghan down the aisle. I suppose the preference would be a male relative - are there any on Doria's side of the family to whom Meghan is close?

 

[Zonk]

Well, to be fair...in the movie (Harry & Meaghan: A Royal Romance) she did warn him about her family!

On a more serious note...this will be a blimp on the radar. Yes, of course we will discuss this ad nauseam about the father not going, the late notice of his attenance, who will talk down the aisle, but this will not overshadow the wedding IMO.

Once Saturday arrives...its about Harry and Meghan and no one else. Thomas Sr., had a choice to be a part of his daughter's wedding and walk her down the aisle. Now, I don't know its the "heart attack," nerves or embarrassment or whatever...I do know that parents do a lot for their children and often make sacrifices. If he is embarassed than he should have sucked it up, put on his pants and walked his daughter down the aisle. And if he couldnt', than he should have called her personally to tell her.

So this says more about him than her. But whatever. He will have to live with regrets for the rest of his life. Not his daughter.

At the end of the day, all you need is the bride, the groom and the Reverend. Oh, and the Queen!

 

[Mbruno]

Wait, is the heart attack story true or not after all ? I'm confused now.

 

[wyevale]

It looks fairly likely Prince Harry will NEVER meet his [soon to be] Father-in-law..

 

[Skippy]

Well, to be fair...in the movie (Harry & Meaghan: A Royal Romance) she did warn him about her family!

On a more serious note...this will be a blimp on the radar. Yes, of course we will discuss this ad nauseam about the father not going, the late notice of his attenance, who will talk down the aisle, but this will not overshadow the wedding IMO.

Once Saturday arrives...its about Harry and Meghan and no one else. Thomas Sr., had a choice to be a part of his daughter's wedding and walk her down the aisle. Now, I don't know its the "heart attack," nerves or embarrassment or whatever...I do know that parents do a lot for their children and often make sacrifices. If he is embarassed than he should have sucked it up, put on his pants and walked his daughter down the aisle. And if he couldnt', than he should have called her personally to tell her.

So this says more about him than her. But whatever. He will have to live with regrets for the rest of his life. Not his daughter.

At the end of the day, all you need is the bride, the groom and the Reverend. Oh, and the Queen!

I agree. And I am totally not deterred by all of this happening, apparently. The big day is about Meghan and Harry. Not about Meghan, Harry and Mr. Markle and some absent half-siblings.

Only those who are sensitive to it are deterred by these happenings, IMO. Sometimes, a little distance doesn't hurt.

 

[AlowVera]

Wait, is the heart attack story true or not after all ? I'm confused now.

He told TMZ had had a heart attack but the Daily Fail has a different timeline that shows he was in LA at that time. Also days after the alleged heart attack he was seen carrying large potted plants and delivering them to Doria's home. Also according to the Daily Mail he has a separate residence in LA and was at that residence relaxing.

I think it best that he return to seclusion. perhaps they can take him somewhere unknown while this all blows over.

 

[Mbruno]

If Meghan's mother now walks her down the aisle, it will be another unconventional element in what is already an unconventional wedding (by British standards). Given the circumstances, I believe there would be some level of sympathy for Ms Markle if she asked her mother to give her away.

In any case, the whole idea of Meghan being "given away" is rather ridiculous considering that she is a 36-year-old woman who has been married before and has been living on her own for quite some time. KP may be in shock, but I doubt the Queen will have a heart attack over this, even if Meghan enters the chapel alone or whatever.

 

[Rudolph]

Two days after his ‘heart attack’ , there’s a picture of him in the McDonalds drive through buying a happy meal. Some heart attack...

He made a deal with the paparazzi, got caught, and now is bailing out on the wedding.

That’s the sad truth.

 

[Empress Merel]

I guess it's telling her father wasn't at her first wedding, or the fact that Harry hasn't met him yet. You'd think any daughter would want to introduce her future husband to her father.

I truly hope Meghan will be able to put this aside and I sincerely hope that the initial decision to let her father walk her down the aisle was to build bridges instead of feeling like it was the right thing to do, but more and more it seems like it was the latter.

 

[Thena]

I feel so sorry for Meghan. I have had experience dealing with toxic family relationships to the point where my dream wedding was a Las Vegas elopement -- leaving out the possibility of someone trying to ruin my big day. When the news first broke Saturday about Tom Sr cooperating with the paparazzi, I felt that Meghan should go through with him walking her down the aisle, but never again invite him for family occasions (christenings, anniversaries, and the like). For Tom to go to TMZ, of all places, is ridiculous. First, he should have talked to Meghan before opening his mouth to the media. Second, he's essentially stealing her thunder by focusing even more attention on himself! It's something I would have expected from one of my toxic family members. It is now five days before the wedding, and Meghan and Harry have a last-minute substitution in their bridal party. Meghan could walk down the aisle by herself. However, I dislike that idea because it again focuses attention on Tom's absence and away from her. She could have Doria walk her down the aisle, even if it's not traditional. There's two other options I'd also consider: Harry and Meghan could walk down the aisle together (an option used by Haakon and Mette-Marit as well as Willem-Alexander and Maxima) or Charles could walk Meghan down the aisle. I rather like the last one because it would show demonstrate the family's acceptance of Meghan. Also, I get the feeling that Charles has always wanted to walk a daughter down the aisle. He's already volunteered to do it once before. It wouldn't be unprecedented, either. King Olav of Norway did the same for his daughter-in-law, Sonja.

 

[Skippy]

If Meghan's mother now walks her down the aisle, it will be another unconventional element in what is already an unconventional wedding (by British standards). Given the circumstances, I believe there would be some level of sympathy for Ms Markle if she asks her mother to give her away.

In any case, the whole idea of Meghan being "given away" is rather ridiculous considering that she is a 36-year-old man who has been married before and has been living on her own for quite some time. KP may be in shock, but I doubt the Queen will have a heart attack over this, even if Meghan enters the chapel alone or whatever.

Considering Meghan's position it may be "ridiculous" but for BRF standards it's pretty traditional. And something I like seeing, how outdated it may be. But for traditionalists it's something to value. So it's either Meghan alone this Saturday or with her mother, I assume.

 

[AlowVera]

What did Queen Maxima do? her father was'nt even aloud in the country I believe?

 

[O-H Anglophile]

Wait, is the heart attack story true or not after all ? I'm confused now.

I doubt Meghan's dad had an actual heart attack since he does not seem to be in the hospital getting treatment. I think it is possible he may have had stress induced attack of something affecting his heart or gastro-intestinal system and it has been exaggerated as an excuse.

 

[Empress Merel]

What did Queen Maxima do? her father was'nt even aloud in the country I believe?

She knew well in advance. I have a feeling this is as much of a bombshell for Meghan as it is to the public.

 

[Mbruno]

I feel so sorry for Meghan. I have had experience dealing with toxic family relationships to the point where my dream wedding was a Las Vegas elopement -- leaving out the possibility of someone trying to ruin my big day. When the news first broke Saturday about Tom Sr cooperating with the paparazzi, I felt that Meghan should go through with him walking her down the aisle, but never again invite him for family occasions (christenings, anniversaries, and the like). For Tom to go to TMZ, of all places, is ridiculous. First, he should have talked to Meghan before opening his mouth to the media. Second, he's essentially stealing her thunder by focusing even more attention on himself! It's something I would have expected from one of my toxic family members. It is now five days before the wedding, and Meghan and Harry have a last-minute substitution in their bridal party. Meghan could walk down the aisle by herself. However, I dislike that idea because it again focuses attention on Tom's absence and away from her. She could have Doria walk her down the aisle, even if it's not traditional. There's two other options I'd also consider: Harry and Meghan could walk down the aisle together (an option used by Haakon and Mette-Marit as well as Willem-Alexander and Maxima) or Charles could walk Meghan down the aisle. I rather like the last one because it would show demonstrate the family's acceptance of Meghan. Also, I get the feeling that Charles has always wanted to walk a daughter down the aisle. He's already volunteered to do it once before. It wouldn't be unprecedented, either. King Olav of Norway did the same for his daughter-in-law, Sonja.

Would Charles do it though ? I don't think so.

 

[Skippy]

What did Queen Maxima do? her father was'nt even aloud in the country I believe?

He decided, after lengthy talks with several people involed in the arisen Dutch situation, to stay away from his daughter's wedding. Out of respect for her and her future position, if I recall correctly. Her mother was also not present.
That's partly why she cried so severely during Adios Noñino.

But she and Willem-Alexander entered both their civil and church ceremony together. That is custom in The Netherlands.

 

[Ista]

I have no opinion on the heart attack story: it might be true, or it might not, but at this point it hardly matters, and we may never know.

I thought the posed pictures were a stupid move on his part, but was positive that all the hysteria about that would die down by the time the wedding rolled around. This, though? To talk to TMZ before he had informed his daughter of his decision is unforgivable. Really, no coming back from that one. It's a betrayal on a fundamental level, and makes even the most charitable observer question everything we thought we knew about this very dysfunctional family.

I have nothing but sympathy for Meghan. I hope she is able to lean on her fiancé, her mother, her friends, and her soon-to-be new family, and find the joy in her wedding.

Thomas Markle? What a self-involved piece of work he appears to be.

 

[MARG]

Since the Queen and Charles are paying for this wedding I imagine they got to choose a few of the guests. The Queen's extended family would all be invited if she wanted them there.

It's easy to overlook just how close they ALL are. You only have to think of Sophie's accident to see how close they are to second and third cousins. This is a family that generations roll over so to speak. HM had such a gap between her oldest and youngest two they are almost different generations.

Please note that several posts have been edited (as well as responses to edited wording deleted) to remove comments between members that were likely to cause the thread being de-railed.

Be reminded please that everyone's point of view is acceptable - provided it adds value to the discussion and/or is made in a constructive way.

 

[Jacknch]

I am a little shocked at this recent turn of events and my initial thoughts are with Meghan - these days before her wedding should be happy and memorable for her.

However, I am a firm believer in being pragmatic - Meghan will have her mother by her side at the wedding and will have the support of Harry, the Royal Family, her friends and all the crowds to cheer her on.

A few minor changes will be required, such as who will accompany Meghan up the aisle - I suspect that it would and should be her mother, although I imagine Prince Charles could well step in if Doria would prefer not be focused on during that part of the ceremony.

Technically, it should be quite easy to adjust the ceremony and do without the "who giveth this woman to be married to this man" element if it is decided Meghan and Harry walk up the aisle together.

I am quite sure Meghan will not walk up the aisle on her own - she deserves the symbol of a supporter to walk with her other than the bridesmaid and pageboys.

I have believed the focus these last months should always have been on Harry & Meghan and have little interest in the more distracting news stories we have read. I also firmly and without hesitation add that this will be an wonderful wedding, an historic occasion and the last major Royal Wedding in the British Royal Family for a long time - the absence of Mr Markle will not change that.

 

[Stefan]

What did Queen Maxima do? her father was'nt even aloud in the country I believe?

She walked in together with Willem-Alexander. But this inothing new in the dutch RF. Also Willem-Alexander's brothers, parents and grandparents walked together in the Church.

 

[wyevale]

Whatever solution is found for getting Ms Markle to her groom, I hope she doesn't do so alone.. that would be so VERY sad, and rather lonely..

 

[Lumutqueen]

What did Queen Maxima do? her father was'nt even aloud in the country I believe?

She walked in with WA.

 

[Skippy]

I am a little shocked at this recent turn of events and my initial thoughts are with Meghan - these days before her wedding should be happy and memorable for her.

However, I am a firm believer in being pragmatic - Meghan will have her mother by her side at the wedding and will have the support of Harry, the Royal Family, her friends and all the crowds to cheer her on.

A few minor changes will be required, such as who will accompany Meghan up the aisle - I suspect that it would and should be her mother, although I imagine Prince Charles could well step in if Doria would prefer not be focused on during that part of the ceremony.

Technically, it should be quite easy to adjust the ceremony and do without the "who giveth this woman to be married to this man" element if it is decided Meghan and Harry walk up the aisle together.

I am quite sure Meghan will not walk up the aisle on her own - she deserves the symbol of a supporter to walk with her other than the bridesmaid and pageboys.

I have believed the focus these last months should always have been on Harry & Meghan and have little interest in the more distracting news stories we have read. I also firmly and without hesitation add that this will be an wonderful wedding, an historic occasion and the last major Royal Wedding in the British Royal Family for a long time - the absence of Mr Markle will not change that.

AMEN, Jacknch! This is exactly how I see it, too!

Prince Charles giving Meghan away... That's an interesting thought. But I don't really see it happening.

She walked in together with Willem-Alexander. But this inothing new in the dutch RF. Also Willem-Alexander's brothers, parents and grandparents walked together in the Church.

It's custom in The Netherlands to enter both civil and church (if you have a church ceremony) together.

Whatever solution is found for getting Ms Markle to her groom, I hope she doesn't do so alone.. that would be so VERY sad, and rather lonely..

Me too. I hope Doria will accompany her. But we'll see on Saturday.