Given that the biggest controversy surrounding Kate Middleton's family back in 2011 - when she wed Prince William - was her sister Pippa's pert derriere, it's evident that Meghan Markle, has had an entirely different experience.
Certainly, Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr. published a scathing open letter, in which he denounced her for "acting phoney" - claims that he has since retracted - and then her half-sister, Samantha Grant, had some harsh words for Prince Harry after he stated that the Royals were the family that Meghan "never had". More importantly, however, was the drama surrounding Meghan's father, Thomas Markle Sr., who was due to walk his daughter down the aisle on Saturday.
Yesterday morning, Meghan Markle released a personal statement confirming that her father will not be walking her down the aisle. "Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding," she wrote in the note, which was distributed by Kensington Palace's Twitter account. "I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health."
"I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous messages of support. Please know how much Harry and I look forward to sharing our special day with you on Saturday," she concluded.
Earlier this week, Thomas Markle Sr. informed TMZ that he was hoping to attend the nuptials, given he was healthy enough. "I hate the idea of missing one of the greatest moments in history and walking my daughter down the aisle," he said. "Of course I’d walk her down the aisle. This is a historic moment. I’d like to be a part of history."
Ultimately, however, Meghan's father decided not fly over to England, telling the news outlet on Tuesday that he would be undergoing heart surgery the following day. "[The doctors] will go in and clear blockage, repair damage and put a stent where it is needed," he stated.
On Wednesday, he confirmed to TMZ that his operation had been successful, but that he needed to spend some more days in hospital, meaning he'd still be unable to make it to his daughter's wedding.
Now, Kensington Palace has announced that Meghan has chosen her future father-in-law, Prince Charles, to walk her down the aisle tomorrow. Ms. Meghan Markle has asked His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to accompany her down the aisle of the Quire of St George’s Chapel on her wedding day," the press release read. "The Prince of Wales is pleased to be able to welcome Ms. Markle to The Royal Family in this way."
While we all would have liked to see Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, walk her down the aisle, we have to remember just how steeped in tradition the royal family is, and how incredibly hesitant they are when it comes to change.