after her father, Thomas, was unable to attend for health reasons.

Mr Markle, 73, reportedly watched the ceremony from California. He told the US celebrity website, TMZ: "My baby looks beautiful and she looks very happy."

Ms Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, stayed with her daughter overnight before accompanying her to the chapel.

Dressed in a pale green Oscar de la Renta dress, with a neat hat, an emotional-looking Ms Ragland sat alone on the bride's side of the chapel for some time.

As the witnesses were called to sign the register, Ms Ragland appeared to accept an outstretched hand from Prince Charles with some relief.

In her vows, Ms Markle did not promise to "obey" her husband, while the prince has broken with royal tradition by choosing to wear a wedding ring.

Prince Harry's ring is a platinum band with a textured finish and Ms Markle's has been made from a piece of Welsh gold.

'Power in love'

The wedding service combined British tradition with modernity and the bride's African-American heritage.