Meghan Markle’s family wish her and Prince Harry a ‘lifetime of happiness’ after engagement announcement
THE parents of royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle have wished their daughter and Prince Harry "a lifetime of happiness".
In a joint statement released by Kensington Palace, Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland said her relationship with Harry was a "source of great joy" to them.
Markle is close to both her parents, who divorced when she was young, and has frequently written about the love and support they have given her.
Mr Markle and Ms Ragland said: "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 much-anticipated news was confirmed by the Prince of Wales in a brief statement issued by Clarence House.
It 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."
The Queen and her Prince Philip said they were "delighted" by the news.
"The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh are delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness," said a message on the monarch's official Twitter page.
Fifth in line to the throne Harry, 33, has been dating the 36-year-old star, who found fame in the US legal drama Suits, since the summer of 2016.
Their 16-month whirlwind romance blossomed when they met through mutual friends in London and the pair have been almost inseparable in recent months, with Markle said to have virtually moved in to Harry's home at Kensington Palace
How Harry and Meghan's romance blossomed
May - October 2016: 'Besotted' Harry meets his future princess
May 2, 2016 - It is not known exactly when Prince Harry first met the Suits actress but he travelled to Toronto, where Meghan Markle lives to launch the countdown to the Invictus Games. The pair are then believed to have been introduced through friends in London in July last year and started seeing eachother.
Oct 30, 2016 - News of their relationship broke and the prince was described as 'besotted' with the actress. A source described Harry as "happier than he's been for many years".
November 2016 - January 2017: Protective prince defends new love
Nov 8, 2016 - In an unprecedented statement, Harry attacked the media over its "abuse and harassment" of his girlfriend. He claimed Meghan had experienced racism and sexism and even attempts by members of the press to get into her home.
Nov 11, 2016 - Three days later Ms Markle was spotted in London amid unconfirmed reports she was stay at Kensington Palace for the first time.
Dec 6, 2016 - Harry flew straight from his Caribbean tour to Toronto to be with Ms Markle, making a 1,700-mile (2,736 km) detour instead of flying to London.
Dec 13, 2016 - The couple were buying a Christmas tree together in Battersea Park. The tree seller described the pair as "totally happy, cute, couple-y - but not overly mushy and gross".
February 2017 - June 2017: First public kiss and meeting the family
Feb 2, 2017 - Harry and Meghan were spotted holding hands on a date night in London amid claims she had "virtually moved in" with the prince at his two-bedroom bachelor pad Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace.
May 7, 2017 - The couple were photographed kissing in public for the first time at Cowarth Park polo club in Ascot, Berkshire, and just days later she joined Harry at Pippa Middleton's wedding reception.
July 2017 - November 2017: Wedding rumours and engagement announced
July 8 - Meghan was reported to have been spotted trying on wedding dresses, sending rumours of an impending engagement into overdrive.
Sep 5 - Ms Markle graced the cover of US magazine Vanity Fair and spoke openly about Harry for the first time, revealing: ''We're two people who are really happy and in love.''
Sep 25, 2017 - Just days later they appeared hand-in hand at their first official public appearance together at Invictus's wheelchair tennis.
Nov 27, 2017 - After weeks of speculation, Clarence House announced the engagement, and the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh say they are "delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness."