LONDON: Meghan Markle’s father will walk her down the aisle when the American actress marries Britain’s Prince Harry this month and both her parents will meet Queen Elizabeth and senior royals in the run-up to the ceremony, Kensington Palace said on Friday.
Both the bride-to-be’s divorced parents, Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland, would have “important roles” in the wedding at Windsor Castle on May 19, Jason Knauf, Harry’s Communications Secretary told reporters.
“On the morning of the wedding, Ms Ragland will travel with Ms Markle by car to Windsor Castle,” Knauf said. “Mr Markle will walk his daughter down the aisle of St. George’s Chapel. Ms Markle is delighted to have her parents by her side on this important and happy occasion.”
There had been speculation about what role Markle’s parents, who divorced when she was six, would play in the wedding ceremony. Thomas Markle, 73, a former lighting director for TV soaps and sitcoms had said he had wanted to give his daughter away.
Knauf said they would fly over from the United States the week before the wedding and both would for the first time meet their new in-laws including the 92-year-old queen, her husband Prince Philip, Harry’s father Prince Charles, Harry’s elder brother William and his wife Kate.
The detail about Markle’s parents was part of a slew of information released by Knauf ahead about the wedding which is attracting massive global media attention.
The three siblings of Harry’s late mother Princess Diana, who was killed in a Paris car crash in 1997 when he was 12, will be at the wedding with her sister Lady Jane Fellowes giving the reading.
“Prince Harry and Ms. Markle both feel honored that Lady Jane will be representing her family and helping to celebrate the memory of the late princess on the wedding day,” Knauf said.
Harry and William, who is his best man, are expected to arrive on foot at the castle’s St. George’s Chapel where the ceremony will be held. Markle will meet her father at the church after arriving by car with her mother.
Knauf also revealed that Markle would not be having a maid of honor, and that the bridesmaids and page boys would all be children.
The queen’s 96-year-old husband Philip is expected to be there having undergone a hip replacement operation last month.
Knauf said the newlyweds would not immediately be heading off on honeymoon and would carry out their first public engagement as a married couple the week after the wedding.
Meghan Markle’s father to walk her down aisle at wedding to UK’s Prince Harry
Meghan Markle’s father to walk her down aisle at wedding to UK’s Prince Harry
Coach taps Elyanna for Spring 2026 campaign
- Chilean Palestinian singer also fronted firm last year
- Star has made a donation to World Food Programme
DUBAI: Chilean Palestinian singer Elyanna is fronting yet another campaign for Coach, this time an “Express Your Many Sides” Spring 2026 initiative unfolding exclusively in the Middle East.
Across the campaign images, the focus is placed on the US fashion house’s leather bags, shown in a range of shapes and sizes.
Elyanna is pictured carrying the Tabby 26, distinguished by its structured flap silhouette and signature metal “C” hardware, presented in a warm maple tone.
Other styles include a compact shoulder bag with a curved profile and a larger, softer leather bag designed to sit under the arm. The bags appear in smooth and lightly grained leather finishes, styled in both light and darker colorways.
In the images, Elyanna’s wardrobe is kept understated to complement the accessories. She wears lightweight layers, including fitted long-sleeve tops paired with sleeveless vests and fluid trousers in neutral shades.
She also appears in a sheer, pale green dress layered over a long-sleeve base, patterned with small heart motifs.
Last year, Elyanna was the face of Coach’s Ramadan 2025 campaign. She was seen against a desert-inspired backdrop, styled in pieces that blended contemporary fashion with cultural influences.
The music sensation also carried Coach’s signature handbags, each featuring the gold chain accents.
Elyanna said in a statement: “Working with Coach again felt natural because it’s a brand I love and connect with in terms of lifestyle and expression.
“We’re aligned in our values, and it was great to be a part of it again for another year because it continues to reflect that alignment. I was also able to donate to the World Food Programme through our partnership once more, which means so much to me.”
Elyanna has been normalizing Arabic lyrics in the Western world throughout her career, taking inspiration from artists including Lana Del Ray and Beyonce, as well as Middle Eastern legend Fayrouz.
The Los Angeles-based singer’s music is a mix of Arabic and Western beats, which she attributes to her multicultural upbringing.
Her debut album “Woledto,” released in 2024, featured nine songs: “Woledto,” “Ganeni,” “Calling U,” “Al Sham,” “Mama Eh,” “Kon Nafsak,” “Lel Ya Lel,” “Yabn El Eh” and “Sad in Pali.”
