Prince Charles to walk Meghan Markle down the aisle

Kensington Palace has announced thatPrince Charles will walk Meghan Markle down the aisle at her wedding to his son,Prince Harry, on Saturday in Windsor just west of London.

The palace said Friday that the bride asked herfuture father-in-law, the heir to the throne, to perform the honourat StGeorge's Chapel in Windsor on Saturday.

The palace said the Prince of Wales "is pleased to be able to welcome Ms. Markle to the Royal Family in this way."

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The announcement comes a day after it was announced Thomas Markle would not be able to travel from the U.S. to attend theweddingdue to health problems.

Meghan, the American actress who spent time in Toronto while filmingthe series Suits, appealed for people to give her father "the space he needs to focus on his health" amid reports he had a heart procedure.

The bride's mother, Doria Ragland, will attend.

It's not the first time a royal bride has had to have someone other than her father walk her down the aisle. Princess Margaret was walked down the aisle by her brother-in-law, Prince Philip. Queen Victoria walked two daughters down the aisle.

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The news came amid the final wedding preparations for Harry and Meghan. Union Jacks have been unfurled, security barriers are up and fans are already moving in to capture the prime viewing positions in Windsor, 40 kilometres west of London.

Separately, Buckingham Palace announced Friday that the Duke of Edinburgh, the 96-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth, will also be at the wedding.

Prince Philip, who retired from public duties last year, underwent hip surgery recently but has generally remained in good health.