Specifically, no one will 'give her away'

Meghan Markle has officially announced who will be walking her down the aisle in St George’s Chapel this Saturday as she weds Prince Harry.

The Royal Wedding honour has been passed on to Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, after Meghan’s father said he was unable to attend due to illness.

Meghan’s father Thomas had announced he was unable to fly to the UK this week following heart surgery. This follows a recent controversy over allegedly staged paparazzi photos in his home town in Mexico.

Many had expected Meghan to ask her mother Doria to accompany her down the aisle, but a statement today has confirmed that Harry’s father Prince Charles will step in. Doria will travel to the Chapel at Windsor in the bridal car and will stay with Meghan the night before the wedding.

The significance of the Palace’s statement has been highlighted as a nod to Meghan’s feminist values. The wording states Prince Charles will walk her down the aisle, not ‘give her away’. This traditional part of the ceremony has been reportedly removed from the order of the day. Prince Charles is expected to walk Meghan half way down the aisle tomorrow.

Statement via Twitter @KensingtonRoyal