Doria Ragland sat down to tea with Charles and Camilla with future son-in-law Prince Harry and the US actress also around the table.

The group enjoyed their first family get together late on Thursday afternoon at Clarence House, the heir to the throne's official London home.

Charles and Camilla's meeting with Ms Ragland came during a busy day of engagements for the couple.

Kensington Palace confirmed that Ms Ragland also met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, at Windsor Castle on Thursday afternoon.

And Buckingham Palace has said that Ms Ragland will meet the Queen on Friday, with Prince Harry and Ms Markle joining the event.

Wedding preparations have continued for the couple who are believed to have held a wedding rehearsal at St George's Chapel on Thursday afternoon.

They were photographed being driven into Windsor Castle along the famous Long Walk which will be part of their wedding carriage procession route.

The mother of the bride travelled to the UK from her home in Los Angeles earlier this week and arrived at a crucial time.

Earlier on Thursday, a heartbroken Ms Markle confirmed her father Thomas Markle would not be attending the wedding.

"Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding," she said in a statement issued by Kensington Palace.

She added: "I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health.

"I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous messages of support. Please know how much Harry and I look forward to sharing our special day with you on Saturday."

Australian Associated Press