Why was Meghan’s mum sitting alone at the Royal Wedding?
Meghan Markle’s mother was the only member from her side of the family to attend the Royal Wedding
An emotional Doria Ragland, who flew in from the US, was spotted welling up several times during the ceremony as she watched her daughter marry Prince Harry.
Doria took her seat in the second row of one of the side pews inside St. George’s Chapel – right across from the Queen. Meghan's mum, who wore a beautiful pastel green Oscar de la Renta dress and coat, divorced from Meghan’s father Thomas Markle Sr in 1987.
After he pulled out of the wedding last week following a heart scare, she was the sole family representative. Therefore she was sitting on her own due to Thomas's absence.
But though she cut a somewhat lonely figure, she was heavily commended for sitting by herself on social media. Praising her courage and dignity, one person said on Twitter: “Beautifully dressed Doria sitting alone in such a beautiful historical moment shows strength, and grace that must be an inspiration to Meghan. This is the reality of many single parents.”
Another person added: “Kudos to #DoriaRagland for sitting there alone representing. It can’t be easy with all that pressure and scrutiny. #RoyalWedding.”
But according to Royal expert Alastair Bruce, the seating arrangement would have been overseen by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Speaking with Town and Country before the marriage, Mr Bruce said the couple would enlist the help of The Lord Chamberlain’s Office when deciding the seating.
He added: “It’s very much a matter for the bride and the groom. “They will assist him. They know the layout of St. George’s Chapel, and they will guide him.”
As is tradition, the family of the groom would be seated on the right and the family of the bride on the left, when looking at the altar, Bruce said, which was the case on the day.
While close family would be in the quire, the majority of the couple’s friends would not – explaining why the Beckhams, James Corden and Elton John were spotted at the back of the church.
Meghan’s father, who followed the wedding on TV, had voiced regret for missing the big day, according to US celebrity news website TMZ. He said: “My baby looks beautiful and she looks very happy. I wish I were there.”
Doria was praised for her courage and dignity
One person said on Twitter: “Beautifully dressed Doria sitting alone in such a beautiful historical moment shows strength, and grace that must be an inspiration to Meghan. This is the reality of many single parents.”