Meghan Markle’s mum Doria Ragland praised for ‘rising above’ family dramas before the Royal Wedding
The connection she made with her new in-laws was clear in the reassuring nod Harry gave her moments before the service and Prince Charles holding her hand afterwards on the chapel steps.
It helped banish memories of the undignified squabbles among the bride’s family in the weeks before.
It saw Meghan’s dad Thomas Sr pull out of the ceremony following a heart op.
Meanwhile, her half-brother Thomas Jr wrot a bizarre open letter to Harry telling him to call off the wedding.
And Samantha Markle painted her estranged half-sister Meg as a pushy princess.
Through it all Doria remained fiercely loyal to her daughter.
The 61-year-old social worker, who raised Meghan as a single mum from the age of six after divorcing Thomas Sr, also did her utmost to stay out of the limelight.
She flew in from Los Angeles to Heathrow unnoticed — working with Kensington Palace security to avoid being spotted.
Meghan introduced her to the world in a photocall at the Cliveden House hotel on Friday, as mother and daughter spent the night before the wedding together.
She also had a private meeting with Charles and tea with the Queen. She appears to have formed a quick bond with the royals, especially Charles who is said to have mentioned her in his “touching” wedding speech.
The dignified approach is typical of Doria, say those who know her well. A close friend in LA said: “What you have seen from Doria speaks so much to her and Meghan’s character.
“She has been able to handle not only her daughter getting married to a prince, but all the divisions in the family.
“She really wasn’t pleased to see all this public criticism and tried to stop it, but remained silent publicly out of respect for Meghan.”
The worldwide audience of 1.9billion appeared united in their love for Doria.
Carol Liebau wrote on Twitter: “How I admire Doria Ragland. She’s there all alone and has represented her daughter with 100% dignity and class.”
Another user tweeted: “I am just in love with Doria Ragland — the love and pride in her eyes, her grace and cool under considerable pressure.”
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