Meghan Markle doesn’t necessarily need anyone to walk her down the aisle
As Meghan Markle prepares for the royal wedding, one big question remains. Who should walk her down the aisle on her wedding day?
Meghan Markle is the modern, independent bride. Even as royal wedding fever hits its high point, the bride seems determined to put her personal stamp on the royal event.
From the guest list to the style, this wedding isn’t dictated by old-school royal protocol. Still, one question seems to be overshadowing many of the special details: who should walk Meghan down the aisle?
Due to her father’s illness, Meghan confirmed her father cannot walk her down the aisle. Traditionally, the bride is escorted down the aisle by her father. According to tradition, this scenario wasn’t that the father gave the bride away, but rather the father was ensuring that the groom didn’t back out of the wedding. Over time, the symbolism has changed some. Some people now see the gesture as a letting go moment.
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – MARCH 23: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during a visit to Catalyst Inc science park in Belfast where they met some of Northern Ireland’s brightest young entrepreneurs on March 23, 2018 in Belfast, Nothern Ireland. (Photo by Niall Carson – Pool/Getty Images)
If this symbolic part of the wedding is going to happen, who could walk Meghan down the aisle? Many people believe that her mother will be the one to take the honor. As her closest family member, the symbolism still applies. It shouldn’t matter the gender of the family member who lets the bride go.
Looking back at previous royal weddings, there was a wedding where the bride’s father couldn’t walk the bride down the aisle. When Princess Margaret wed, her father was deceased. Prince Phillip, Queen Elizabeth’s husband, stepped into the role. Given his current health, it seems unlikely that he would perform those duties. Still, it makes a valid argument that Prince Charles could assume the role. (Update: Prince Charles will, in fact, walk her down.)
Based on English tradition, the groom has his back to the congregation as the bride walks in. It seems unlikely that Harry and Meghan will walk down the aisle together. Although many modern wedding ceremonies have the bride and groom meet in the middle of the aisle, that scenario may not work in St. George’s Chapel. It doesn’t lend itself to the grandeur of the moment.
Of course, Meghan doesn’t need anyone to walk her down the aisle. She could take the moment for herself and walk alone. Personally, I hope that she chooses this option.
When I got married, I walked myself down the aisle. I didn’t have a family member that could walk with me. On that day, I stood tall, walked gracefully and embraced the moment for what it was. I was a strong, independent woman who was choosing my own path.
Some people felt sad for me at the time. Of course, a part of me wished that my parents were still alive. I didn’t want anyone to replace my parents. In a way, walking on my own was honoring my family and everything that brought me to that moment.
For Meghan, I hope that she either has her mother walk her down the aisle or she walks herself down the aisle. No matter what decision that she chooses, the moment will be filled with many emotions: happiness for the new life ahead of her, sadness for those people who could not share that special day and excitement for an adventurous life ahead are just some of the possibilities.
Unfortunately, that decision will also come with criticism. Everyone will have an opinion on who she did or did not choose. In the end, the only person that needs to be content with the decision is Meghan. Everyone else should respect her choice. What’s the old saying – the bride (or wife) is always right?
I will be watching the royal wedding just like many other people. From the bridal party to the flowers to the dress, each little piece adds to the momentous occasion. Most importantly, I will be looking for the tender moments that the royal couple shares with each other. Those moments are the memories to hold dear, just like in any wedding.
Next: Namibia, the royal honeymoon destination
Truthfully, it doesn’t matter who Meghan Markle walks down the aisle with, just as long as her prince charming is standing at the altar waiting for her.