With Thomas Markle unable to perform the fatherly duty of giving his daughter away on her wedding day, who will step in to walk Meghan Markle down the aisle?

Doria Ragland

Ms Markle’s mother is seen as the ideal choice to accompany the former Suits actress through St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle and up to the altar to marry Prince Harry.

Doria Ragland could step in for Thomas Markle (Danny Lawson/PA)
Doria Ragland could step in for Thomas Markle (Danny Lawson/PA)

The American star is close to the clinical therapist, who lives in LA, and Ms Markle, who is known for her dedication to empowering women, may take the opportunity to modernise the traditional male role at her wedding.

The Prince of Wales

Heir to the throne Charles could step in to offer his arm to Ms Markle in the 15th century church.

Unlike Ms Ragland, Harry’s father is vastly experienced at appearing at large-scale public events amid intense scrutiny.

The Prince of Wales could step in to help his soon to be daughter-in-law (Yui Mok/PA)
The Prince of Wales could step in to help his soon to be daughter-in-law (Yui Mok/PA)

He also performed the duty for Alexandra Knatchbull, the daughter of his close friend, Lord Brabourne, in 2016.

It would be a touching demonstration of support should Charles offer to take on the role to help his future daughter-in-law..

The Duke of Cambridge

William would also be an ideal trusted candidate – but Harry’s brother has other duties on the day as the prince’s best man.

The Duke of Cambridge greets Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the Anzac Day service (Jonathan Brady/PA)
The Duke of Cambridge greets Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the Anzac Day service (Jonathan Brady/PA)

He will be arriving at the chapel with the prince and waiting alongside him at the altar.

He could head out to meet Ms Markle and escort her down the aisle, but this would leave Harry on his own without his key supporter.

Markus Anderson

Markus Anderson is Ms Markle’s closest male confidant and she has described him as a “loving, supportive, and endlessly fun friend”.

He joined Harry and Ms Markle in their VIP box at the Invictus Games in Toronto last year.

Markus Anderson with his arm around Doria Ragland, joins Meghan's friend Jessica Mulroney, Meghan and Harry at the Invictus Games (PA)
Markus Anderson with his arm around Doria Ragland, joins Meghan’s friend Jessica Mulroney, Ms Markle and Harry at the Invictus Games (PA)

Mr Anderson is the director of the upmarket members club Soho House in London where Ms Markle and Harry had their first date in 2016.

Soho House is also in charge of the couple’s luxury, personal gift list for friends and family.

The Duke of Westminster

Hugh Grosvenor is godfather to Prince George and part of the royal inner circle.

The 7th Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor (Peter Byrne/PA)
The 7th Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor (Peter Byrne/PA)

The 27-year-old is one of the richest men in Britain after inheriting the title from his father.

Harry could turn to his friend to escort his bride on Saturday.

Mark Dyer

Harry may also look to his mentor, Mark Dyer.

The former Welsh Guards officer has been a key father figure to the prince since childhood.

Mark Dyer chats to a a young Prince Harry (Phil Noble/PA)
Mark Dyer chats to a young Prince Harry (Phil Noble/PA)

Ms Markle and Harry have already asked Mr Dyer’s son, Jasper, Harry’s godson, to be a pageboy.

A former equerry to the Prince of Wales, Mr Dyer was entrusted by Charles to keep an eye on the young Harry.

The pair travelled together in Harry’s gap year and he inspired the prince’s charity work in Lesotho, southern Africa, after arranging Harry’s first ever stay in the country.

But probably not: 

Patrick J Adams

He “married” Ms Markle in the US legal drama Suits in the finale of season six when his character, lawyer Mike Ross, wed her character, Rachel Zane.

Adams has described himself and his co-star as like “brother and sister” and the pair worked together for many years.

But, despite his experience alongside the actress during pretend wedding ceremonies, he is an unlikely choice for fear of comparison.