Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding ceremony nearly eight years ago looked picture-perfect, but behind the scenes the preparations were anything but straightforward.

The run-up was characterised by disputes over tiaras, friction with the Princess of Wales concerning bridesmaids' dresses, and countless logistical hurdles that left organisers working around the clock. When the momentous day finally dawned on May 19, 2018, the royal family gathered at St George's Chapel to witness the couple exchange their vows, with Meghan captivating spectators in her sophisticated Givenchy wedding gown.

However, one notable absence was impossible to ignore - Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, was not present on her side of the family. Less than a week before the ceremony, he confirmed he wouldn't be attending, leaving his daughter without anyone to escort her down the aisle.

Fortunately, Meghan's soon-to-be father-in-law, Charles, offered to step in, telling his future daughter-in-law that he would be honoured to accompany her to the altar. But according to one report, her response to this kind-hearted offer took the then-Prince of Wales by surprise.

In Queen of Our Times, author Robert Hardman writes, "The reply, according to one friend, was not quite what he was expecting: 'Can we meet halfway?' Here was an indicator that this was no blushing bride, but a confident, independent woman determined to make a grand entrance on her own."

Since that day, Harry and Meghan's lives have undergone a dramatic transformation, from welcoming their two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to stepping back from royal responsibilities and relocating to California. Throughout this period, their relationship with the King, Prince William and Princess Kate has become increasingly strained.

The rift between Harry and his royal relatives is thought to have deepened following the release of his contentious memoir Spare, in which he disclosed a physical altercation with William and alleged that Charles failed to embrace him after Princess Diana's death.

Harry also levelled criticism at his family in his and Meghan's explosive Netflix documentary series.

Last year, Harry revealed the King will not engage with him concerning his legal battle over his UK security arrangements, though he expressed a desire for 'reconciliation' with his family.

In a BBC television interview following his defeat in the most recent phase of his court case, Harry characterised it as "this, at the heart of it, is a family dispute."

He said: "Of course, some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book. Of course, they will never forgive me for lots of things. But you know, I would love reconciliation with my family." He also said there was "no point in continuing to fight anymore."

Harry's security provisions altered in 2020 when he and Meghan relinquished their positions as working royals and relocated to California in pursuit of financial and personal autonomy. He implied that the Royal Family and officials anticipated the recognition of increased safety threats "would force us to come back."

After a 2025 legal struggle to reinstate his security detail, which proved fruitless, it emerged that he contacted Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood shortly after her appointment and officially requested a risk assessment from the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec).

This assessment is reportedly in progress, with earlier reports this year suggesting that Harry was approaching the reinstatement of his armed police protection during UK visits and remained hopeful about the assessment's result.

This assessment is reportedly in progress, with earlier reports this year suggesting that Harry was approaching the reinstatement of his armed police protection during UK visits and remained hopeful about the assessment's result.

The character of Harry's relationship with his father remains predominantly unclear. While the pair met privately for tea at Clarence House last September when the Duke attended the WellChild awards, father and son have not been together since.

Charles has just wrapped up a short state visit to the United States, though his commitments on the East Coast meant he was unable to see his son, daughter-in-law or grandchildren, who reside on the West Coast in California.