“It was Meghan’s wish, and she is grateful for the Prince of Wales to be doing it,” a royal insider told PEOPLE at the time.
Prince Harry, 41, later recalled in the documentary Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70 how he asked his father to take on the role. “I asked him to, and I think he knew it was coming, and he immediately said, ‘Yes, of course, I’ll do whatever Meghan needs, and I’m here to support you,’ ” the Duke of Sussex said.
Complications Surrounding Thomas Markle
In the weeks leading up to the wedding, uncertainties swirled around Thomas Markle’s attendance. Although health issues were cited as the official reason, Thomas also stated at one point that he planned to stay away to avoid causing embarrassment to the royal family or his daughter, especially after it was revealed that he had cooperated with paparazzi to stage photographs.
Renewed Contact Amid Ongoing Tensions
Despite Prince Harry and Meghan stepping down from royal duties in 2020 and the ongoing rift with the family, Harry met with his father in September—their first meeting in 19 months.