We would have been terrified TBH
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have been the focus of the Royal Wedding, but Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland became an unexpected celebrity when the internet fell in love as she sat alone with her head raised high in the church pews. There were so many beautiful moments in the wedding that choosing our favourite is difficult, though it seems Doria’s made her mind up.
A source told US Weekly, ‘Doria is saying the biggest highlight of the wedding, of course after watching her daughter say ‘I do’ to the man she loves, was meeting the Queen.’
Although Doria and Queen Elizabeth sat on opposite sides of the church during the ceremony, they had an opportunity to get to know one another better prior to the ceremony. The two reportedly met over that good old British pastime - afternoon tea. At Windsor Castle. As you do.
Meghan and Harry didn’t just throw Doria into the deep end though, as they apparently had been prepping her to meet the head of the British monarchy beforehand. Harry in particular spent a while telling ‘numerous stories about the Queen as a grandmother and what she means to him’, which we’re sure would have gone a long way for Doria.
The source continued, ‘It would have been extremely intimidating for anyone, but Meghan and Harry really did a marvellous job of preparing her with what to expect.’
The yoga teacher was the only immediate member of Meghan’s family to be in attendance at the royal wedding, after Meghan’s father unfortunately was prevented from attending due to heart surgery. Thomas Markle was set to walk her down the aisle, however Prince Charles stepped in to save the day and walked Meghan down in his stead.
It appears as though Doria has been fully welcomed into the family, as she and Prince Charles were photographed walking out of the church arm in arm to face the public and she was also pictured in the official wedding portrait.
Doria’s appearance at the wedding was an emotional moment for many, as people praised the single mother for her dignity and poise in one of the most scrutinised nuptials in history. She even inspired a gorgeous poem by Chicago poet Lesle Honore, who related to her experience.
Her poem reads, ‘For all the Dorias of the world, Who will sit alone at graduations and weddings, at baseball games and school plays, at proms and award ceremonies...Who will carry the load of everything.’
Give us a second while we grab a tissue or three. We’re not crying, it’s just - um - hay fever.
