After months of speculation, the news has finally been confirmed: British royal Prince Harry is set to marry American actress Meghan Markle in 2018.
The 33-year-old Prince, considered to be one of the world’s most eligible bachelors, popped the question to his 36-year-old love earlier this month, according to a statement released on behalf of Prince Charles on Monday morning, British time.
Soon after the statement was released, the happy couple faced the world’s press for their engagement photo call, posing in the grounds of The Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace.
Meghan wore a white wrap coat by Canadian brand Line the Label (whose website crashed soon after the photo call), over an emerald green dress by P.A.R.O.S.H, an Italian brand specialising in vintage apparel. Her shoes are by Aquazzura, and are currently on sale at Neiman Marcus.
Harry meanwhile, sported a smart blue suit and stylish black tie.
First photos: Prince Harry with fiancée Meghan Markle:
Looking blissfully happy, Prince Harry revealed he designed the engagement ring himself with a diamond procured in Botswana – a place the duo has travelled to several times during their courtship. Thoughts of his mother, the late Princess Diana, are never far away, and two side stones taken from his mother’s collection also feature in the design.
When asked when he knew she was ‘the one’, Prince Harry revealed: “‘I knew she was the one from the very first day.”
Cue hearts melting the world over.
The official engagement statement from Clarence House, read:
“His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle.
“The wedding will take place in Spring 2018. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course.
“His Royal Highness and Ms. Markle became engaged in London earlier this month. Prince Harry has informed Her Majesty, The Queen and other close members of his family.
“Prince Harry has also sought and received the blessing of Ms. Markle’s parents. The couple will live in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace.”
Shortly after, a statement from Meghan Markle’s parents Doria Ragland and Thomas Markle was shared.
It reads: “We are incredibly happy for Meghan and Harry. Our daughter has always been a kind and loving person. To see her union with Harry, who shares the same qualities, is a source of great joy for us as parents. We wish them a lifetime of happiness and are very excited for their future together.”
Speculation of an imminent engagement had been mounting in recent weeks, as it was rumoured Meghan had officially left her role on Suits, moved out of her Toronto house and relocated to London.
Meghan and Prince Harry went public with their romance in September:
Aside from the wedding date, which has been set for early next year, any further details surrounding the nuptials remain under wraps.
Given Meghan’s impeccable taste when it comes to style, naturally our thoughts turn to her wedding dress. Will she follow the Duchess of Cambridge’s lead and go with a classic Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown? Or will Meghan ask longtime friend and her favourite fashion designer, Misha Nonoo, to do the honours?
All we know, is we get another Royal Wedding – and we can’t wait!
