Meghan’s mother Doria spent the evening before the Royal Wedding with her daughter at Cliveden House Hotel. The pair arrived yesterday evening looking happy and relaxed. Last night, Doria was able to spend some quality time with Meghan before she takes part in today’s historic wedding. What do we know about Doria Ragland, mother of the bride?
Sixty-one-year-old Doria hails from Ohio in the USA and works as a yoga instructor but also dedicates much of her life to social work after returning to study for a Master’s degree in the field just a few years ago. Doria has been called a free spirit by Meghan, and the pair has a brilliant relationship. Doria was divorced from Meghan’s father Thomas when their daughter was just six-years-old and has no other children, meaning she has devoted her life to Meghan’s upbringing which has created a strong bond between the pair.
Doria has been very quiet about the wedding and Meghan and Harry’s relationship in general, but she did release a joint statement of congratulations with Meghan’s father when the couple first became engaged. It is clear that Doria understands the need for privacy as Meghan enters the Royal Family which will be a relief for Meghan after difficulties with other family members in recent times. Doria is, however, reportedly planning to sit for an interview with Oprah Winfrey in which she will discuss racist remarks received by her family since the engagement was announced; she will wait for the approval of Buckingham Palace before doing this.
Doria arrived in the UK on Wednesday and has been getting to know her daughter’s new family members: meeting with Charles and Camilla for afternoon tea, spending time with the Cambridges on Thursday and finally meeting The Queen on Friday. Luckily she has met Harry before, first meeting him at the Invictus Games last year where she and the Prince got on well together.
Doria has reportedly been a fantastic mother and role model to Meghan (who she calls ‘Flower’) so far, and today she will be there to share in her daughter’s happiness on her wedding day to Prince Harry.
