Meghan Markle's parents will BOTH have important roles in the royal wedding

Meghan Markle has given both of her parents important roles in her wedding to Prince Harry in May, the Palace revealed today.

With just two weeks to go before Meghan and Prince Harry wed at Windsor Castle on May 19, more details have been released about the arrangements for the big day, with a spokesperson for the couple confirming that Meghan’s dad Thomas Markle will walk her down the aisle after his involvement in the wedding was previously uncertain.

And while it is typical for the father of the bride to accompany his daughter in the car as they make their way to the wedding venue – like Kate Middleton’s father did on her wedding day to Prince William – Meghan has decided to bestow that honour to her mum, Doria Ragland.

Kate Middleton and father Michael Middleton being driven down the Mall on her wedding day to Prince William in 2011

Kensington Palace also confirmed that Meghan’s parents will meet the Queen in the days before the wedding, as well as Prince Philip, Prince Charles and wife Camilla, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

It will also be the first time Meghan’s dad will meet his future son-in-law, Harry. Prince Harry is said to have met Doria on a number of occasions, and the pair were pictured getting along famously at the Invictus Games in Toronto last year.

‘Prince Harry and Ms. Markle are very much looking forward to welcoming Ms. Markle's parents to Windsor for the wedding' a spokesman for the palace said. 'Mr. Thomas Markle and Ms. Doria Ragland will be arriving in the UK in the week of the wedding, allowing time for Prince Harry's family, including The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, and The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, to spend time with them before the big day.'

‘Both of the bride's parents will have important roles in the wedding. On the morning of the wedding, Ms. Ragland will travel with Ms. Markle by car to Windsor Castle. Mr. Markle will walk his daughter down the aisle of St George's Chapel. Ms. Markle is delighted to have her parents by her side on this important and happy occasion.’

Meghan has previously spoken of the incredibly close bond she shares with her mum, telling Glamour in 2017: ‘We can just have so much fun together, and yet, I'll still find so much solace in her support. That duality coexists the same way it would in a best friend.’

Meghan also gushed over her mum in a blog post back in 2014, writing: ‘Dreadlocks. Nose ring. Yoga instructor. Social worker. Free spirit. Lover of potato chips and lemon tarts. And if the DJ cues Al Green’s soul classic 'Call Me,' just forget it.

‘She will swivel her hips into the sweetest little dance you’ve ever seen, swaying her head and snapping her fingers to the beat like she’s been dancing since the womb. And you will smile. You won’t be able to help it. You will look at her and you will feel joy. I’m talking about my mom.’

Sounds like we can be certain of at least one song that will play during the couple's evening reception party then!