In a touching moment that has recently gone viral on TikTok, footage from the 2018 royal wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry has resurfaced, highlighting the emotional exchange between Meghan and her father-in-law, King Charles III. The video, which has garnered over 305,400 views, showcases the then-Prince of Wales walking Meghan down the aisle at St. George's Chapel, Windsor, Berkshire, England.
The decision for Charles to accompany Meghan was an unusual one, stemming from a series of highly publicized events that led to the absence of Meghan's own father, Thomas Markle. In the days leading up to the wedding, speculation arose that Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, would step in to fulfill the traditional role of the father of the bride. However, on the day of the ceremony, it was Charles who met his future daughter-in-law halfway through her walk and guided her to Prince Harry, who was waiting at the altar.
@europeanroyals_ Meghan Markle walking down the aisle to marry Prince Harry #foryou #royals #wedding #british ♬ original sound - Europeanroyals
In the fourth episode of the 2022 Netflix docuseries "Harry & Meghan," the Duchess of Sussex opened up about her close relationship with King Charles. "Harry's dad is very charming," she said, before revealing the emotional conversation she had with him prior to the wedding. "I said to him, like, 'I've lost my dad in this.' So, him as my father-in-law was really important to me. So, I asked him to walk me down the aisle, and he said yes."
Meghan's heartfelt request was met with a positive response from the palace, which announced on the eve of the wedding that the bride had asked Charles to accompany her. A statement at the time said that Harry's father was "pleased to be able to welcome Ms. Markle to The Royal Family in this way."
Prince Harry also spoke fondly of his father's role in the wedding during the documentary "Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70." "I asked him to and I think he knew it was coming and he immediately said, 'Yes, of course, I'll do whatever Meghan needs and I'm here to support you guys,'" Harry shared. "For him that's a fantastic opportunity to step up and be that support, and, you know, he's our father so of course he's going to be there for us."
The viral TikTok video, captioned "Meghan Markle walking down the aisle to marry Prince Harry," has received an outpouring of support and admiration from viewers. "The love the King shows Meghan is so special," wrote one user, while another commented, "This was such a touching moment with the king. You can tell he liked Meghan. I'm sad she didn't go to the coronation."
Despite the couple's decision to step down as working members of the monarchy and move to the United States in 2020, King Charles has made few public comments about Harry and Meghan. However, in his accession speech following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles made a heartfelt reference to the couple, stating, "I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas."
