Meghan Markle to break centuries old tradition at her wedding by making her own speech
Her 73-year-old father is expected to walk her down the aisle
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Meghan Markle is expected to deliver her own speech at her wedding to Prince Harry – breaking centuries of tradition.
The former actress is understood to be ready to speak during a reception at Windsor Castle following the weeding ceremony on May 19 which is expected to be attended by 800 guests, The Sunday Times reports.
It is understood that Ms Markle’s 73-year-old father Thomas, a former Hollywood lighting director, is likely to walk his daughter down the aisle but is less likely to make a speech at the reception.
If her father will not speak for her, Ms Markle is understood to want to have the opportunity to thank Prince Harry, the Queen, her family and friends in an “affectionate” tribute – a move which breaks with regal customs.
Ms Markle, who is expected to be made a Duchess on the day, might even dare to make a couple of jokes, the paper reports, and is said to have Prince Harry’s full support.
Although this is no small feat for the American who will have to deliver the speech in front of hundreds of guests including the Queen, Ms Markle has some practice in public speaking.
A UN women’s advocate, Ms Markle promoted gender equality and publicly supported Emma Watson’s He For She campaign.
In 2015, she gave a speech before the UN secretary general ban Ki Moon saying: “I am proud to be a woman and a feminist.... A wife is equal to her husband.”
Prince Harry is still to announce his best man and his brother Prince William is widely tipped to be among his top choices.
Asked by Piers Morgan in an interview set to air tonight whether he had received an invitation to the wedding, Donald Trump replied “Not that I know of“, ending speculation the US President might visit the UK at the time of the royal wedding.
In a 2016 interview, Ms Markle described Mr Trump as “divisive” and “misogynistic”. Confronted with her comments, the US President said: “Well, I still hope they’re happy”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments