Bets off as wedding is expected in 2018

BOOKIES have now suspended betting on Prince Harry getting engaged to his lover Meghan Markle.

William Hill is no longer offering odds on the royal popping the question following their whirlwind oneyear romance.

The loved-up couple jetted off to Africa last week to celebrate American actress Meghan’s 36th birthday.

They checked into Harry’s favourite lodge in Botswana, where they will go on a safari and have a barbecue in the jungle.

Harry may even propose before his birthday on September 15, when he will turn 33.

And William Hill is offering odds of 2/5 that the pair will tie the knot next year and 5/1 for a wedding in 2017.

Spokesman Rupert Adams said: “They look fabulously happy and we believe it is no longer a question of if, but when, they get engaged.

“Clearly, a royal wedding takes some planning – so ® we expect the world’s most eligible bachelor to be off the market next year.”

Three previous girlfriends have joined the Prince, 32, on safari and on houseboats in the region.

Telly host Natalie Pinkham, Chelsy Davy and Cressida Bonas all went on safari when they were dating the prince.

A source said: “He doesn’t want to take her to the same places that he took Chelsy.

“Harry is determined to show Meghan something different.”

“When he goes to Botswana he can move very freely. He’s never photographed.

“He has a lot of friends there and they protect him from any intrusion.

“He’s just able to come and go as he pleases and often people do not even know he has been out there.

“He’s got a whole life there people don’t know about.”

Harry’s first trip to the country was in 1997, just months after the death of his mother Princess Diana.