Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially announced their engagement today.
The exciting news was confirmed in a statement by the Prince Charles from Clarence House.
Meghan’s parents, Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland also released a statement.
“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.”
The Queen shared her congratulatory message via Twitter.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge issued a statement as well via Twitter.
During his visit to Poundbury, Prince Charles expressed his delight about the news.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby shared a warm message following the announcement:
“I am absolutely delighted to hear the news that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are now engaged. I have met Prince Harry on a number of occasions and have always been struck by his commitment and passion for his charities, and his immense love for his family. Marriage is a special and joyous commitment, one that Jesus celebrated together with friends at the wedding in Cana. I am so happy that Prince Harry and Ms Markle have chosen to make their vows before God. I wish them many years of love, happiness and fulfilment and ask that God blesses them throughout their married life together.”
Meghan’s former co-star from Suits, Patrick J. Adams certainly had the best tweet of the day about the announcement —
The scene outside Kensington Palace as global media assembled throughout the morning.
At 2 pm the newly engaged couple walked down the steps of The Sunken Garden for their official photocall.
The Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace was one of Diana’s favourite places. It was planted white earlier this year in honour of the 20th anniversary of her passing. The day before the anniversary, Harry, William and Kate visited the garden “as an opportunity for the princes to pay tribute to their mother’s life and work.” During the visit, Harry noted he would like to keep some of the plants and flowers alive, transporting them to his own Kensington Palace plot to tend them
Sky News’ Rhiannon Mills asked the couple — “How are you both feeling”. Harry replied “Thrilled, very glad it’s not raining as well”. Meghan added “So happy thank you”. Harry added he knew Meghan was the one “the very first time we met”.
Hello Magazine’s Emily Nash shared a video of interaction with Rhiannon, Harry and Meghan —
The scene across from Harry and Meghan at the Sunken Garden.
Meghan’s beautiful “past, present, future” style ring was designed by Prince Harry and crafted by the Queen’s jeweler Cleave and Company. The center stone is from Botswana and the two outside diamonds are from Diana’s personal collection. The band is made of gold. Like William, there was no doubt Harry would want his mother to be a significant part of the engagement.
More from People about the ring —
The ring has plenty of sentimental connections for Harry: The two stones are from his late mother, Princess Diana‘s personal collection (making them difficult to value), while the other stone is from Botswana, a country that is close to his heart. Harry has often spoken about his love of Africa, and says it’s the place he feels more like himself than anywhere else in the world. He shared his love of Africa with Meghan this past summer on a trip to the continent, which included a visit to Botswana.”
The BBC’s Mishal Husain interviewed the couple this afternoon inside Kensington Palace.
It was revealed that the couple were engaged several weeks prior while cooking dinner in Nottingham Cottage. Meghan described it as very romantic and that Harry “got on one knee”. She was so excited over the proposal she could barely let the Prince finish before saying “Yes!”.
When asked how the couple first met, Harry said that a mutual friend introduced them and Meghan was quick to interject that they should “protect her (the friend’s) privacy”. The two had back to back dates in London in the beginning of July 2016 followed by Harry persuading Meghan to join him several weeks later for a camping trip in Botswana.
Meghan spoke about her experience of meeting the Queen for the first time.
It’s incredible, to be able to meet her through (Harry’s) lens,” she said.
“Not just with his honor and respect for her as the monarch, but the love that he has for her as his grandmother.
All of those layers have been so important to me… She’s an incredible woman.”
Harry went on to describe how The Queen’s beloved Corgi’s seemed to take to Meghan immediately as well —
“And the corgis took to you straight away.
I’ve spent the last 33 years being barked at; this one (Meghan) walks in, absolutely nothing …
Meghan added, “Just laying on my feet during tea, it was very sweet.”
Harry continued, “… just wagging tails and I was just like argh.”
Watch the full interview below.
And now, our look at what Meghan wore for today’s special announcement!
Meghan’s coat is from Canadian-based Line the Label, also known as Line. It is the brand’s ‘Mara’ coat in white double-face wool from the 2017 collection.
Meghan’s green dress is from P.A.R.O.S.H. — the fitted bow dress, $487.
Credit: BBC
The fitted crew-neck dress is crafted in double stretch wool crêpe features a round neck, a sleeveless design, and bow detail at the waist with a zip closure on back.
Meghan wore her Aquazzura Matilde Crisscross suede 105mm pumps in nude, $695.
Meghan’s earrings are from Canadian-based Birks, Les Plaisirs de Birks Yellow Gold and Opal, $995.
We leave you with this cute clip of the couple caught goofing around a bit once the interview was over. (Note: The video has no audio)
LINKAGE:
- Read more about Meghan’s ring from People here.
- Vanity Fair’s article about the engagement is here.
- See more photos from today’s photocall at Harper’s Bazaar here.
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