Yet the wedding day itself remains remembered for something different.
Rather than focusing solely on absence, many people remember the presence of someone willing to help.
Prince Charles' offer did not erase the disappointment Meghan reportedly felt over her father's absence.
However, it provided support during a moment when she needed it most.
And Meghan's response ensured that the moment remained uniquely her own.
Years later, the exchange continues to attract attention because of its simplicity.
There were no dramatic speeches.
No elaborate statements.
Just four words.
Yet those four words revealed an approach that many found relatable: accepting assistance while still choosing your own path.
For royal watchers, it became one of the defining personal moments of the 2018 wedding.
For others, it served as a reminder that family is sometimes defined not only by blood, but by those who step forward when it matters most.
When Meghan Markle walked toward the altar on that historic day, she did not make the journey exactly as originally planned.
But the compromise she proposed created a moment that continues to be remembered years later.
A future father-in-law offered support.
A bride chose independence.
And somewhere in the middle, they met halfway.