Meghan Markle’s Mother Doria Raglan to Walk Her Down the Aisle?

With the sudden withdrawal of Meghan Markle's father, Thomas Markle, from the royal wedding, speculation is mounting that her mother, Doria Raglan, will now walk her down the aisle.

But if this happens, it wouldn't be the first time a mother has given away her daughter at a royal wedding.

In 1866, Queen Victoria walked her third daughter, Princess Helena, down the aisle as she wed Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein.

This was five years after the death of Prince Albert, and the ceremony was held at the private chapel at Windsor Castle.

Victoria wore her black morning dress and white widow's cap, accessorized with diamonds.

Victoria also gave away her youngest child, Princess Beatrice, at St Mildred's Church, wearing black in memory of her husband who had died 24 years earlier.

Although her outfit is believed to have been encrusted with diamonds, Prince Albert only managed to see one of his children marry before his death in 1861.

Following this royal precedent set by Victoria at her daughter's weddings, it is likely that Meghan's mother, Doria, will give her away at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Thomas Markle has reportedly given Doria his blessing to walk their daughter down the aisle in his place.

Commenting on the reports, royal historian Victoria Howard told the BBC, “I think it would be a lovely touch for Meghan's mother Doria to walk her down the aisle, because they are very close.

It would be unusual but it wouldn't be an unprecedented move.

Queen Victoria walked two of her daughters down the aisle because Prince Albert wasn't around.

It would be an unusual move, but definitely not unheard of.”

However, Thomas Markle has since stated that he wants to come to his daughter's wedding despite being back in hospital with a heart condition, claiming, “I'd like to be a part of history.”

Meanwhile, Doria is about to fly into the UK from Los Angeles to support her daughter and is now the clear favorite to walk her down the aisle in her father's absence.

If Doria does give away Meghan at St George's Chapel on Saturday, it will be a historic moment for the royal family.