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MEGHAN Markle’s mum flew in to save the day yesterday and walk her daughter down the aisle.

Doria Ragland, 61, arrived from Los Angeles just two days after quitting her social worker job.

 Doria's bags were pictured at the airport, being carried by a Kensington Palace aide
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Doria's bags were pictured at the airport, being carried by a Kensington Palace aideCredit: Constant Media

She landed at Heathrow but never set foot in the terminal, instead being whisked away VIP-style from the tarmac in a Jag to be reunited with her daughter.

It is understood that Doria will meet the Queen and Prince Philip for tea at Windsor Castle on Thursday.

Her 5,300-mile dash came after ex-hubby Thomas Markle pulled out of the big day, saying he was having heart surgery yesterday.

A source told the Sun: “Meghan is holding up OK but she has a lot on her plate.


What we know so far...


Meghan Markle’s family – from dad Thomas and half-sister Samantha Grant to the nephews
 Doria Ragland was pictured leaving her home in the US
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Doria Ragland was pictured leaving her home in the USCredit: The Mega Agency
 A convoy left Heathrow Airport this afternoon
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A convoy left Heathrow Airport this afternoon
 Meghan's assistant Amy Pickerill was seen at the airport
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Meghan's assistant Amy Pickerill was seen at the airport
 Meghan's personal assistant made sure that the convoy headed off as planned
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Meghan's personal assistant made sure that the convoy headed off as planned
 The PA smiled as she saw the convoy off
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The PA smiled as she saw the convoy off
 A convoy leaves Heathrow Airport, where Doria Ragland was expected to arrive
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A convoy leaves Heathrow Airport, where Doria Ragland was expected to arrive
 Meghan Markle will have her mum with her on her wedding day
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 Meghan Markle will have her mum with her on her wedding dayCredit: Getty - Contributor
 VIP cars were pictured leaving the airport
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VIP cars were pictured leaving the airport

“She doesn’t really know what to make of her dad’s behaviour. But she still loves him and is concerned for his health. It’s a very complicated situation but she’s really pleased to see her mom.

“She’d originally asked Doria to walk her down the aisle, and only asked her dad when she was told that would be more appropriate.

Doria has met Harry several times and they get on like a house on fire.

“It’s a shame her dad won’t meet Harry but Meghan is getting on with her big day.”

Doria is also due to meet Charles, Camilla, Kate and William before Saturday’s service.

Doria unexpectedly handed her notice in on Monday, prompting suggestions that she may make a permanent move to London.

 Meghan's assistant Amy Pickerill was on hand at the airport today
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Meghan's assistant Amy Pickerill was on hand at the airport today
 Doria has already met Prince Harry, attending the Invictus Games with the couple
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Doria has already met Prince Harry, attending the Invictus Games with the coupleCredit: AP:Associated Press
 It is thought that mum Doria will now walk her down the aisle
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It is thought that mum Doria will now walk her down the aisleCredit: Splash News
 The mother of the bride was holding a Burberry bag, sparking speculation about what she would be wearing for the big day
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The mother of the bride was holding a Burberry bag, sparking speculation about what she would be wearing for the big dayCredit: The Mega Agency

She left her LA home on Tuesday evening carrying her wedding outfit in a Burberry carrier. At Heathrow she was picked up by the Jaguar estate car and driven across the tarmac to the Windsor Suite.

Doria stayed in the vehicle as her passport and visa form were taken by Meghan’s personal assistant Amy Pickerill and handed to an immigration official. He stood outside the car to check and stamp the documents before the Jag left. Doria was last night thought to be staying at the posh Cliveden estate — overlooking the Thames ten miles from Windsor Castle — where Meghan will spend the night before the ­wedding.

Her “Girl Friday” Amy, 32, was promoted from press officer to a deputy private secretary role last year. She has previously worked at RBS and was recruited by Harry’s press secretary Jason Knauf.

Also helping at Heathrow yesterday was Tifare Alexander, a Fijian-born corporal from the Parachute Regiment and the first orderly hired by Wills and Kate.

 Meghan with her dad Thomas Markle Sr
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Meghan with her dad Thomas Markle SrCredit: Tim Stewart
 Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales tour the new Tech Hub today, days before the wedding
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Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales tour the new Tech Hub today, days before the weddingCredit: Getty - Pool
 Prince Charles has been suggested as a possible replacement for Thomas Markle in walking Meghan down the aisle
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Prince Charles has been suggested as a possible replacement for Thomas Markle in walking Meghan down the aisleCredit: HENRY NICHOLLS
 Excited fans were pictured today at Windsor Castle
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Excited fans were pictured today at Windsor CastleCredit: EPA
 Excitement has already started to build
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Excitement has already started to buildCredit: AP:Associated Press

His responsibilities are believed to include chauffeuring and logistics. He waited to collect Doria’s bags including the Burberry carrier she was seen with in LA.

Meanwhile more fans set up camp in Windsor yesterday to get prime spots for Saturday.

Like Doria, Nancy McCoy, 72, travelled from California. She told The Sun: “I have been coming out for all the royal events since 1995. I must’ve spent thousands but it’s always worth it.

“I’m delighted for Meghan. I was surprised an American was marrying into the Royal Family but they seem so happy together.”

Patrick O’Neill, 28, from Belfast, said he had been in position since Tuesday.

He added: “I have met Meghan before in Belfast and she was absolutely lovely.”

John Loughrey, 63, from Streatham, South London, said the KP fan club, named after the couple’s Kensington Palace residence, were ready to party with champagne.

  • COMIC Russell Brand yesterday told ITV’s Loose Women he kissed Meghan on the set of his 2010 film Get Him To The Greek. She played a partygoer and while their smooch never made the cut Brand said he had seen a clip online. He joked: “They should bring that up at the wedding. Yeah, Russell snogged her in the film!”
Tour Cliveden House Hotel, where Meghan Markle and her mum Doria Ragland will stay the night before the Royal Wedding


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