It's official.
Prince Harry is engaged to his girlfriend, US actress Meghan Markle.
Kensington Palace and Clarence House have announced the two became engaged in London earlier this month.
The wedding will take place sometime in the spring (autumn for New Zealand), likely after William and Kate's third child arrives in April.
Prince Harry said the couple are thrilled and delighted to be tying the knot.
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
The BBC's Nicholas Witchell said news of the engagement is being met with pleasure within the royal family.
“The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, who celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last week, are delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness.,” he said.”
Prince Charles shared his own congratulations, saying: ““We’re thrilled for both of them. I hope they’re very happy indeed is all I can say.”
Earlier this week the Daily Mail reported that Markle, who has been dating Harry since last summer, moved to London to live in Harry's cottage at Kensington Palace.
The actress had been rumoured to be leaving for the UK since she and Harry made their first public appearance as a couple at the Invictus Games in Canada in September.
Ms. Markle's parents, Mr. Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland have wished the couple 'a lifetime of happiness.' pic.twitter.com/H4kpTgpkYE
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 27, 2017
Markle, who starred in legal TV drama Suits, had slowly been cutting back on her Hollywood commitments and quit completely back in October.
Last month, Harry, fifth in line to the British Throne, introduced Markle to the Queen over tea at Buckingham Palace.
While this will not be the first time a royal has married an American and a divorcee- King Edward VIII famously abdicated in 1936 after he married twice-divorced Wallis Simpson - it will be a very different reception for Markle as she is welcomed with open arms into the royal family.
- with content from NZ Herald
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