Meghan Markle’s father opens up about his phone conversations with Prince Harry

Including his response when the Prince asked for his daughter's hand in marriage

meghan markle freckles
(Image credit: REX/Shutterstock)

Including his response when the Prince asked for his daughter's hand in marriage

It feels like forever ago now, but it was only four weeks ago that we tuned in to watch Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot.

The Duchess of Sussex wore a custom Givenchy gown for the big day before changing into a Stella McCartney evening gown for her reception.

While Meghan's mother Doria Ragland attended the nuptials, sadly Thomas Markle, the bride's father, was unable to attend due to undergoing heart surgery shortly before the day.

It has since been announced that the royal couple will travel to Mexico to visit Meghan's father while he recovers.

Thomas Markle has now opened up about phone calls he shared with Prince Harry ahead of the wedding – including what he said when asked for permission to marry his daughter.

buckingham palace balcony

(Image credit: Getty Images)

'Harry asked for her hand over the phone and I said, "you are a gentleman; promise me you will never raise a hand against my daughter and of course I will grant you my permission,' he told Good Morning Britain.

Meghan's father added that the pair had even discussed Trump and Brexit over the phone.

He also shared his plans for his speech at the reception, and how he felt watching Prince Charles walk his daughter down the aisle.

'The speech actually had the phone calls that I talked about... and how Meghan introduced him as this nice guy from England, this prince. And then I went on to thank the royal family for opening up to my child. That would have been the speech.'

Mr Markle said that in the end he watched the wedding on a small TV in a hotel room while recovering from his operation.

(Image credit: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

'Watching it was difficult for me because I wasn't there, but at the same time I'm watching my daughter being watched by the entire world and I couldn't have been more proud.

'And, like I said, Charles – how could I have asked for a better replacement? I was thrilled to tears that he was doing that for me.

'I just wish it had been my hand holding my daughter, not his.'

The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.