The world’s eyes are on the Royal Family today as Clarence House has announced the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
News of the engagement broke via a statement released on Twitter, which confirmed that the wedding will take place in Spring 2018. The statement revealed that Prince Harry had informed the Queen and his immediate family members. It also stated that he received the blessing of Meghan’s parents.
The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle. pic.twitter.com/zdaHR4mcY6
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) November 27, 2017
Further statements were also released from Kensington Palace, with well wishes from Prince Harry and Meghan’s nearest and dearest.
Meghan’s parents, Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland, stated that they were “incredibly happy” and wished the couple “a lifetime of happiness together”.
Ms. Markle's parents, Mr. Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland have wished the couple 'a lifetime of happiness.' pic.twitter.com/H4kpTgpkYE
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) November 27, 2017
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, stated that they were excited for the couple and have enjoyed getting to know Meghan and seeing how happy they are together.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said of the engagement:
'We are very excited for Harry and Meghan. It has been wonderful getting to
know Meghan and to see how happy she and Harry are together.'— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) November 27, 2017
The Prince of Wales spoke for himself and The Duchess of Cornwall by saying how thrilled they were by the news and “hope they’ll be very happy indeed”.
On the news of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle's engagement, The Prince of Wales, speaking for himself and The Duchess of Cornwall, said: "We're thrilled. We're both thrilled. We hope they'll be very happy indeed."
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) November 27, 2017
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh also shared their delight and well wishes for the couple.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh are delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness. https://t.co/aAJ23uSbao
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) November 27, 2017
Earlier today, Prince Harry and Meghan did a photocall at Kensington Palace Gardens before speaking to the press and posing for photos. When asked when he knew Meghan was the one, Prince Harry said “The very first time we met.”
Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle are "thrilled and happy" to be engaged. pic.twitter.com/HBz30SbZVE
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) November 27, 2017
During the photocall, actress Meghan, best known for her role in Suits, had the opportunity to showcase her beautiful engagement ring. Designed by Prince Harry himself, the ring contains two diamonds which belonged to his mother, the late Princess Diana.
Prince Harry said: “The ring is yellow gold because that’s her favourite, and the main stone itself I sourced from Botswana and the little diamonds either side are from my mother’s jewellery collection to make sure that she’s with us on this – on this crazy journey together.”
In their first interview together, the couple also revealed that Prince Harry proposed at Nottingham Cottage. He caught Meghan by surprise whilst they were having a “typical night in” roasting a chicken for dinner.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have described the moment he proposed as their prepared a roast chicken in their home https://t.co/xYvygw6bMB pic.twitter.com/bOA65uPaDN
— ITV News (@itvnews) November 27, 2017
Further details about the wedding will be announced in due course. However, whilst many people are expecting a bank holiday to commemorate the day, the Prime Minister’s spokesman has said that there are no plans for this.