The Chronicle

It was love at first sight, says Harry

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PRINCE Harry has revealed he knew his bride-to-be Meghan Markle was “the one” from their very first meeting.

The Queen’s grandson declared himself to be “thrilled” and “over the moon” to be engaged to the American actress after a whirlwind romance lasting just 16 months.

The happy couple made their first appearance in public since the announceme­nt of their impending nuptials, posing for photograph­s in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace.

Ms Markle showed off her sparkling engagement ring, which romantic Harry designed himself, made from two diamonds which belonged to his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

The ring also features a large central diamond from Botswana, a country that holds special significan­ce for the couple, who have holidayed there together. Harry has long loved the African country after visiting many times as a child.

The couple will marry in a church wedding in the spring next year. Their longantici­pated engagement was announced by the Prince of Wales yesterday morning.

Harry, dressed smartly in a blue suit and dark tie for the open-air photocall, revealed of Ms Markle: “When did I know she was the one? The very first time we met.”

Ms Markle said she was “so very happy, thank you” to be engaged to Harry.

The prince added that he was “thrilled, over the moon” saying: “Very glad it’s not raining as well.”

A beaming Ms Markle, in a white belted Line the Label coat and dress by P.A.R.O.S.H., clutched Harry’s hand with both of her hands as they posed briefly, smiling and giggling throughout their appearance in the chill November air.

When Harry was asked how he proposed, Ms Markle replied, “Save that”, with Harry adding: “That will come later.”

The sunken garden is poignantly the site of the memorial garden created in memory of Harry’s late mother Diana, Princess of Wales to mark the 20th anniversar­y of her death this year.

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 when they met through mutual friends in London.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh said they were “delighted” for their grandson and Ms Markle, and “wish them every happiness”, while the prince’s father, the Prince of Wales, said he was “thrilled”.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge reacted warmly to the news.

“We are very excited for Harry and Meghan. It has been wonderful getting to know Meghan and to see how happy she and Harry are together,” they said.

Ms Markle’s parents Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland wished their daughter and Harry “a lifetime of happiness”, adding: “We are incredibly happy.”

The couple are planning to make Harry’s current base, Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace, their marital home.

 ?? DOMINIC LIPINSKI/PA ?? Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after an official announceme­nt on their engagement was made yesterday; inset, Ms Markle’s engagement ring
DOMINIC LIPINSKI/PA Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after an official announceme­nt on their engagement was made yesterday; inset, Ms Markle’s engagement ring
 ??  ?? The pair made their first appearance as a couple in September
The pair made their first appearance as a couple in September
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