Meghan Markle and Prince Harry: Every Detail We Know About the Royal Engagement
It’s official! Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are engaged! The news, confirmed by the palace on Nov. 27, 2017, followed months of speculation and constant rumors swirling that Harry was close to asking for the actress’ hand in marriage.
After their PDA-filled weekend at the semi-final rounds of the Invictus Games in September 2017, it seemed like only a matter of time before we were looking forward to a royal wedding. Now that it’s on the horizon, a few details have emerged about the affair. Here’s what we know about their engagement and upcoming nuptials.
Love at first sight
It’s a real-life fairy tale. | Chris Jackson/Getty Images
The couple appeared in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace following the announcement, and reporters asked the prince about when he knew Markle was “the one.”
Harry smiled at his bride-to-be, then looked at the press and replied, “The very first time we met.”
Harry proposed in early November
❤️️ How Prince Harry popped the question to Meghan Markle. Via @BBCBreaking. #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/PCNQRr5t0p
— BBC (@BBC) November 27, 2017
Although the public only learned about their engagement on Nov. 27, Harry actually popped the question, and Markle happily accepted, in early November.
During an interview with BBC, the pair spoke about the proposal, which the Suits star called an “amazing surprise” and “very romantic.”
Harry designed the ring
Meghan Markle’s ring features diamonds that once belonged to Princess Diana. | Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Prince Harry designed the ring for his lady with a center diamond from Botswana, which is a country where the couple spent time together early in their relationship. The other two diamonds that complete the setting belonged to the late Princess Diana.
“The little diamonds on either side are from my mother’s jewelry collection to make sure that she’s with us on this crazy journey together,” Harry revealed.
When the wedding will take place
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will reportedly wed in spring 2018. | Chris Jackson/Getty Images
On the same day palace officials announced that Harry and Markle were engaged, they also informed the public that the royal wedding will take place at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The couple later announced that the exact date of their nuptials would be Saturday, May 19, 2018.
Where the couple will live
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will live at Nottingham Cottage. | Chris Jackson/Getty Images
We also know where the pair will call home after saying “I do.”
Markle recently moved from Toronto to London and once she marries the prince, the two will reside in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace.
Second royal to wed an American divorcee
Prince Harry will be the second British royal to marry an American divorcee. | Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images
Many have brought up the fact that Markle is an American divorcee. But Prince Harry will not be the first English royal to wed a previously married woman from the U.S.
Edward VIII, who was Queen Elizabeth’s uncle, abdicated his throne in 1936 so he could marry a twice-divorced American socialite named Wallis Simpson. However, times have changed in the British monarch and Prince Harry has his grandmother’s blessing to wed Markle.
Reaction from other royals
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
In addition to the queen, others members of the royal family have said they are “thrilled” for Harry and Markle, including Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla Bowles. A spokesman for the palace said that Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is “delighted” as well.
As for Prince William and Kate Middleton, they have also commented on the engagement saying, “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.”
Finally, Markle’s parents, Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland, released a statement wishing the couple “a lifetime of happiness.”
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