Meghan Markle's father opens up about the Royal Wedding: 'I was jealous of Charles'

18 June 2018, 09:55

Meghan Markle's father has spoken in depth about the Royal Wedding for the first time in an emotional interview.

Thomas Markle revealed that his daughter cried when he told her that he couldn't attend her wedding to Prince Harry last month.

He also told ITV's Good Morning Britain that he was upset that he didn't walk her down the aisle.

"I'm a footnote to the greatest moment in history rather than the dad who walked his daughter down the aisle. That upsets me somewhat," he said.

He revealed that he watched the wedding from a B&B in the US, shortly after having surgery.

Markle told his daughter about not attending the wedding in a phone call, along with Prince Harry.

"They were disappointed ... and they both said, 'Take care of yourself, we are really worried about you'," he said.

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He also said that he was "jealous" that Prince Charles walked her down the aisle for a short distance, but added: "I was honoured, I can't think of a better replacement than someone like Prince Charles.

"I was thrilled to tears he was doing that, I just wish it had been my hand holding hers not his."

After Harry asked for his daughter's hand in marriage, he told the prince: "You are a gentleman, promise me you will never raise your hand against my daughter and of course I will grant you my permission."

Before the wedding, Thomas Markle found himself in controversy over reports that he had staged paparazzi photos of himself in wedding-related poses, such as being measured for a suit. 

He explained that he wanted to find "a way of improving my look", adding: "Obviously that all went to hell."

"I realised it was a serious mistake. It's hard to take it back."