Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are engaged

Prince Harry is to marry Meghan Markle. The official announcement of their engagement has just been made by Clarence House. The wedding will take place in Spring 2018.

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

Confirmation of the marriage of the fifth in line to the throne came in a short statement from Clarence House. The couple became engaged earlier this month. Harry and Meghan will make their first appearance as an engaged couple at a photo call later today. They will also take part in a TV interview this evening.

The couple have been dating since mid 2016 and their relationship was confirmed by Prince Harry in a statement late last year. Meghan confirmed they were fully loved up in an interview with Vanity Fair earlier this year. Soon afterwards, the couple made their first official public appearance together when Meghan accompanied Harry to the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Toronto in September.

Henry Charles Albert David was born on September 15th 1984 at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington the second son of the Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales. Rachel Meghan Markle was born on August 4th 1981 in Los Angeles. She is the daughter of Tom Markle and Doria Ragland. The statement from Clarence House confirmed that Harry had sought the permission of both Meghan's parents for their marriage.  Soon afterwards, Kensington Palace tweeted a statement from the bride's mum and dad which wished their daughter and future son-in-law a ''lifetime of happiness''.

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

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge added their congratulations via Twitter, saying that they were ''very excited'' for the couple and adding they had enjoyed getting to know Meghan and that it was ''wonderful'' to see how happy the pair were together.

The details of their wedding are yet to be confirmed but Clarence House has promised more news in the coming weeks. So much excitement to come - congratulations to Harry and Meghan.