Prince Charles/Royal wedding Fans praise Meghan Markle's 'touching' deci...

Royal wedding: Fans praise Meghan Markle's 'touching' decision



Royal fans today spoke of their joy for Prince Charles after it was revealed he will step in for the father of the bride and walk Meghan Markle down the aisle.



The Prince of Wales will give his soon-to-be daughter-in-law away when she marries Prince Harry tomorrow at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.



Meghan, 36, asked her future father-in-law to accompany her on the way to the altar after her father Thomas Markle had to pull out following heart surgery.



Responding to the announcement by Kensington Palace this morning, royal fans praised the 'fantastic' decision and said they were delighted for Charles.

One said: 'What a lovely thing. Charles himself has no biological daughters but he will definitely be gaining one tomorrow. It will be a very touching moment.'



Another from New South Wales, Australia, tweeted: 'What a wonderful blessing for them both. Something Charles thought he would never be able to do.





Her mother may not have been comfortable doing this. Whatever the reason, it is fantastic. Many blessings and prayers for both Harry and Meghan.'



And a third said: 'I knew it would be Prince Charles. I was hoping for her mum to do it, but I guess she wanted to keep things as traditional as possible. Great choice!'



However, not everyone was happy with the announcement. Aimee Day tweeted: 'No, it should have been her mum to do it. She brought her up and she should do it.





'In general I think the mother's should do it anyway. After all, in most situations the mother does everything for their child over the father - in my experience.'





And Rachel Douce added: 'Disappointing that Prince Charles is walking Meghan down the aisle. Perfect opportunity for the royals to show how modern and not sexist they are and let Doria do it, but no.'



Mr Markle was forced to pull out of performing the fatherly duty after undergoing heart surgery in a dramatic upset just two days before the wedding.



The actress's mother Doria Ragland had been tipped to perform the role. But Harry's father is far more experienced at appearing at big public events amid scrutiny.



Wedding-watchers camped outside Windsor Castle in readiness for the festivities said they felt her soon-to-be father-in-law stepping in was a 'nice gesture'.



The announcement from Kensington Palace on Friday morning came with just 24 hours to go until the big day, with final preparations well under way in Windsor.



Windsor visitor Leslie Haynes, from Washington, said: 'I was surprised actually. I knew that Prince Charles was in the running. I just assumed it would be her mother.



'But it was Meghan's approval and choice and so we support that, and, as we say, the next King of England is going to walk her down the aisle.'



The 58-year-old, who is camping opposite the castle, said she was 'somewhat' disappointed that Miss Ragland would not accompany Meghan to the altar.



She added: 'But I have to say that it's her choice so we're happy for her. She is going to be the happiest woman in the world tomorrow so how could we be disappointed about that?'





Margaret Phipps, 25, from Texas, said: 'She has such a close relationship with her mum, so I think it is surprising to some people. But I think it's a nice gesture.



'He (Charles) doesn't have a daughter that he'd ever be able to walk down the aisle. And it just sort of shows her transition into the royal family.



'She's really becoming a part of that family with him kind of acting as the father figure in situations, so I personally think it's nice.'



Sylvia Horn, 61, from Nashville, said it is 'wonderful', adding: 'It's usually a gentleman that does it.' 'I fully approve since Charles is going to be her father-in-law,' she said.