It was love at first sight, says Prince Harry

● Statement from Clarence House reveals Harry’s engagement to actress Meghan Markle in London earlier this month

Prince Harry has announced that he will marry his American actress girlfriend Meghan Markle, saying his bride-to-be ‘tripped and fell’ into his life. The wedding will take place in the spring

Harry’s comments came in a joint interview with Meghan at Kensington Palace to mark their engagement announcement, and as the pair sat side by side they held hands.

They also discussed how Ms Markle had met the Queen twice, an individual she described as an “incredible woman”.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been supportive, with Meghan praising Kate – a commoner who married into the royal family – as “wonderful”.

The pair met after a mutual friend, who they declined to name, set them up on a blind date, with the prince having no idea who Ms Markle was but was left “beautifully surprised” when she walked into the room.

During the interview, Ms Markle confirmed she was giving up her acting career after it was widely reported she had left the hit series Suits.

Asked about her “new role”, Meghan suggested she would become a full-time royal, saying: “I’m excited to just really get to know more about the different communities here, smaller organisations that are working on causes that I’ve always been passionate about under this umbrella, and also being able to go round to the Commonwealth. I think it’s just the beginning.”

And on a light-hearted note, Harry revealed during the interview that the royal corgis had taken to his bride-to-be “right away” when she met the Queen. He said: “I’ve spent the last 33 years being barked at this one walks in, absolutely nothing.”

Harry said the proposal came a few weeks ago while they were at his home, Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace.

Ms Markle added: “Just a cosy night, it was – what we were doing just roasting chicken.”

She described it as “just an amazing surprise” and said: “It was so sweet and natural and very romantic – he got on one knee.”

Ms Markle went on to say: “As a matter of fact I could barely let you finish proposing, I said – can I say yes now?”

The pair are to marry in a church wedding in the spring next year.

However, there are “no plans” for a bank holiday to mark the wedding, Downing Street has said. The possibility of an extra day off for the public dominated social media reaction following news of the engagement. But ministers said there was no “precedent in this area”.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh said they were “delighted” for their grandson and his bride-to-be, and “wish them every happiness”.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said: “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.”

Ms Markle’s parents wished their daughter and Harry “a lifetime of happiness”, adding: “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.”

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.”

It revealed that the pair became engaged in London earlier this month.

0 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement