Doria Ragland, Meghan Markle's mother, now expected to walk her down the aisle - who else could it be?
Two days before her wedding, Meghan Markle has confirmed her father will not be attending the royal wedding, following heart surgery on Wednesday and a weekend of controversy over allegedly-staged photos.
But if Thomas Markle Snr can no longer walk his daughter down the aisle, who will? It is thought the role will now fall to the mother of the bride, Doria Ragland, who will be travelling with Ms Markle to the chapel.
Other contenders include members of the Royal Family and friends of Prince Harry.
Mr Markle's inability to attend has left many more gaps in the proceedings. It is unknown who will give a speech at the evening dinner - this role may also fall to her mother.
Before the ceremony at Windsor Castle's St George's Chapel, Mr Markle was expected to perform another duty organised by engaged couples around the globe, the meeting of the in-laws.
The former lighting director and his ex-wife were due to sit down to tea with the Queen and the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
It would be an informal chat where the ice would be broken and the two families could get to know one another, albeit in the likely setting of Buckingham Palace.
Mr Markle's absence is unlikely to be filled by another family member and it will be down to Ms Ragland to represent both of them.
Who will walk Meghan Markle down the aisle?
Doria Ragland
Meghan Markle's mother is the most likely contender to walk her down the aisle after her father pulled out.
According to TMZ, Thomas Markle has given his ex-wife his blessing to perform the duty.
As she is a committed and proud feminist, this break from tradition is unlikely to bother the bride.
Doria Ragland is no stranger to being at her daughter's side, and has accompanied her on the red carpet and stood with her at the Invictus Games in Toronto last year.
Ladbrokes odds: 1/3
Prince Charles
If Doria Ragland is not able to walk her daughter down the aisle, another option is the father of the groom, Prince Charles.
The Prince of Wales has expressed his excitement about the wedding, telling reporters in Nice, France last week: "It's absolutely marvellous. It's going to be a very special day for everybody."
Ladbrokes odds: 3/1
The Duke of Cambridge
Prince William may be on hand to walk his brother's bride down the aisle.
He would likely be a good source of support for Meghan Markle, as the two have conducted Royal engagements together and appear to get along well.
The Duke of Cambridge has also been through the pressure of a very public Royal Wedding, so would perhaps be able to calm any jangled nerves.
Ladbrokes odds: 5/1
Guy Pelly
An admittedly long shot, but if the couple do not pick a family member, a friend of Prince Harry may be a good bet.
Guy Pelly has been a friend of the Prince and his brother since they were children, and is connected to the matchmaker who set the Royal couple up on their first date.
He is friends with Violet Von Westenholz, who the Telegraph revealed as the Cupid who brought the pair together. Mr Pelly and Ms Westenholz have for years been photographed together at parties.
Ladbrokes odds: 10/1
