Wedding bells will be ringing for the Royal family next year after the announcement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's engagement.

A statement this morning announced the happy news for the young couple: “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.”

Prince Harry, 33, and Suits star Meghan, aged 36, met in July 2016. Meghan opened up about their relationship for the first time in September this year, telling Vanity Fair: “We’re a couple. We’re in love.”

William and Kate have shared their delight with the news, they 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.”

The Queen and Prince Philip have said they are delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness.

Ms Markle’s parents Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland said the romance has brought them great joy: “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.”