.

Meghan Markle’s surprising four-word reaction to a kind gesture from King Charles has been revealed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, are known for their strained relationships with many members of the Royal Family, but this wasn’t always the case.

Before their dramatic departure as working royals and relocation to California, Harry shared a particularly close bond with his father, Prince Charles, who was also said to be fond of Meghan.

The couple tied the knot in a grand ceremony at St George’s Chapel in Windsor in May 2018, which was not without its share of drama, the Mirror reports.

Alleged disputes over tiaras, reported disagreements with the Princess of Wales regarding bridesmaids’ dresses, and other logistical issues likely caused stress for the soon-to-be-wed couple.

However, when the wedding day arrived, all the royals gathered at St George’s Chapel to witness the couple exchange vows, with Meghan dazzling in her exquisite Givenchy wedding dress.

Despite the joyous occasion, one significant relative was absent from the ceremony – Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle.

Less than a week before the big day, he announced that he would not be attending, leaving Meghan without anyone to escort her down the aisle.

In a surprising turn of events, Meghan’s future father-in-law, Charles, offered to accompany her down the aisle at the chapel.

However, according to a book, Meghan’s response to this offer was not what the then Prince of Wales had anticipated.

In his book ‘Queen of Our Times’, author Robert Hardman reveals: “The reply, according to one friend, was not quite what he was expecting: ‘Can we meet halfway? ‘”

This response suggested that Meghan was not a traditional bride, but rather a confident and independent woman intent on making a grand entrance on her own.

Since their wedding day, Harry and Meghan have experienced significant changes, including the birth of their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, their decision to step back from royal duties, and their move to California.

Their relationship with other members of the Royal Family, including the King, as well as Prince William and Kate, has reportedly become strained.

Harry’s relationship with his royal relatives is believed to have deteriorated following the publication of his controversial memoir ‘Spare’, in which he disclosed a physical altercation with William and alleged that Charles did not comfort him following the death of his mother, Princess Diana.

The duke also took swipes at his family in his and Meghan’s explosive Netflix docuseries, which was released at the end of 2021.

Despite the chilly relations, there seems to be a glimmer of hope for a thaw between Charles and his son Harry.

After the King disclosed his cancer diagnosis in February and began treatment, Harry hurriedly flew from California to the UK to be by his father’s side.

The two reportedly had a conversation lasting about half an hour before Harry returned to the US. Shortly thereafter, he appeared on a US morning TV show for an interview.

Discussing how he learned of his father’s health situation to Good Morning America, Harry said: “I spoke to him.”

He expressed gratitude for being able to see his dad after the diagnosis, stating: “Look I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him I’m grateful for that.”