Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are celebrating six years of marriage today.
Six years ago today, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex exchanged vows in a grand Royal Wedding hosted at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018.
When the Sussexes exchanged vows, many pondered why Doria Ragland, Meghan Markle's mother, sat alone at the Royal Wedding while her daughter wed Prince Harry, reported Mirror.
Doria, then 61, appeared solitary six years ago today, positioned in the quire at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Clad in an elegant Oscar de la Renta dress and coat, Doria arrived at the church in a state car amidst crowds of fans, much like the rest of the Royal Family. Upon arrival, she entered through the west door.
Reportedly, her seat was directly across from Prince Harry's grandmother, Her Majesty the Queen, who sadly passed away in 2022. Doria welled up with tears as her daughter Meghan and groom Harry exchanged vows and became husband and wife.
The social worker and yoga teacher from LA received widespread praise at the time for her role in the historic wedding, which was watched by around two billion people worldwide.
"Doria sitting alone in such a beautiful historical moment shows strength and grace that must be an inspiration to Meghan," one viewer wrote. "This is the reality of many single parents."
Doria attended alone as Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, was unable to make the trip to Windsor due to ill health. Doria and Thomas divorced in 1987, but up until the latter suffered a heart attack, wedding plans were for the pair to see their daughter marry Prince Harry together.
Royal expert Alastair Bruce told Town and Country it would have been Meghan and Harry who decided who sat where. "It’s very much a matter for the bride and the groom," Bruce said.
They would have sought counsel from The Lord Chamberlain's Office when deciding the seating. "They will assist," added Alastair. "They know the layout of St George’s Chapel, and they will guide him."
So, simply, Meghan and Harry were following tradition. The close family of the groom, including the Queen and Prince Charles, sat on the right, while Meghan's sat on the left
Doria wasn't alone for the entire occasion, though. Before the ceremony, she was warmly welcomed by Prince Charles – who walked with Meghan down the aisle of the quire, but didn't give her away – and spent lots of time meeting and greeting her new family at the lunch at party afterwards.
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