Meghan Markle gives herself away in powerful statement

Meghan Markle, soon to be known as the Duchess of Sussex, has boldly broken royal wedding tradition and proceeded unaccompanied on the first part of her walk through St. George’s Chapel to meet groom Prince Harry.

Walking down the nave of the chapel alone, with flower girls and page boys following her, the 36-year-old bride was then joined by her new father-in-law, Prince Charles, who met her halfway at the Quire.

Markle is the first royal bride to walk unaccompanied down the aisle, and reportedly came up with the idea herself as a way to "assert herself as a strong, independent woman who is prepared to challenge royal norms," reports CNN.

Earlier this week, the former actress released a formal statement confirming rumours her father, Thomas Markle, would no longer be attending the ceremony, or accompanying her down the aisle.

Kensington Palace had previously announced Mr. Markle would be the one to walk his daughter down the aisle, but due to health issues, and the rumoured embarrassment of being caught colluding with paparazzi, the 72-year-old is remaining at home in Mexico on his daughter's big day.

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Instead, the Markle's new father-in-law was recruited for the job.

An official statement from the palace reported the future king was "pleased to be able to welcome Ms. Markle to The Royal Family in this way."

TMZ reportedly spoke to Mr. Markle, who said he was "honoured and grateful" that Charles would be accompanying his daughter down the aisle, and that he would be "proudly" watching the wedding on TV.