Harry and a royal love match for our times

TWENTY years ago the nation’s heart went out to a 12- year- old boy, bereft and bewildered as he trailed disconsolately behind his mother’s coffin.

Since that poignant day, Prince Harry has grown into an admirable young man and endeared himself so much to the British people that he’s now our most popular royal after the Queen.

Yes, he’s made mistakes along the way, as he himself has acknowledged. But the public has always forgiven him.

Through his dedication and courage with the Army in Afghanistan and energetic charity work – particularly on behalf of wounded veterans, as well as HIV patients – he has become a credit to his mother’s memory and his country.

So the Mail offers warmest congratulations to the Prince on his engagement to Meghan Markle. He has already done much to help drag the monarchy into the 21st century and though he is clearly marrying for love, his choice of bride will undoubtedly enhance that modernisation process.

An American actress of captivating beauty and mixed-race heritage, Meghan brings not only a touch of glamour to the family but also a hint of the diversity that characterises contemporary Britain.

She was educated at a Catholic school and is a divorcee, which in another era would have made it impossible for Harry to marry her and remain fifth in line to the throne. The fact that it now barely raises an eyebrow shows how much the monarchy – and British society – have changed.

As a Hollywood celebrity, Meghan is well used to the limelight, which should help her adjust to living in the public gaze here. At 36, she is also mature enough to understand that, along with the palaces and courtiers, being the wife of a senior royal brings obligations and duties.

But above all, this is a joyous announcement. The Royal Family has a reputation (often well-earned) for stuffiness and stubborn resistance to change. Together, Harry and Meghan can give it the injection of vigour and exuberance it so desperately needs.

The only sadness is that Princess Diana is not here to see her son walk down the aisle. She would have been immensely proud.