Prince Harry to wed actress girlfriend Meghan Markle

Last updated: 27 November 2017, 3:38 pm

Prince Harry is engaged to his American actress girlfriend Meghan Markle.

The date of the wedding has been announced as spring 2018.

The Queen has been informed and has given her approval. The Prince has said he is "delighted".

The couple, who have been dating since July 2016, made their first appearance as a couple in September. They secretly got engaged earlier this month.

The couple posed for photographs in London today, with Markle showing off her diamond enagagement ring. The prince said he knew she was the one "the very first time we met".

According to the Palace, the ring was designed by Prince Harry and features two diamonds that belonged to his late mother, Diana.

The prince, fifth in line to the throne, will live with his new wife at Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace in London.

The Prince of Wales has announced the engagement of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle. pic.twitter.com/rtlAnFCWTf

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 27, 2017

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are "delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness", a Buckingham Palace spokesman said.

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."

Earlier today, the prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis was the first Caribbean leader to congratulate the couple.

It is my pleasure to extend congratulations on behalf of the people of St Kitts and Nevis to His Royal Highness Prince Henry and Ms Meghan Markle on the announcement of their engagement," Timothy Harris wrote on Twitter.

"May God bless them both.