All of the photos from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's engagement announcement

Prince Harry declared he was "thrilled" as he and bride-to-be Meghan made their first appearance in public since the happy announcement was made. When asked if it had been a romantic proposal, Meghan smiled knowingly at Harry, before replying: "Very!" while the Prince added: "Of course!" The royal also sweetly said that he had known Meghan was the One "since the very first time we met".

The couple, who started dating last summer, looked head-over-heels in love as they posed for their first official photographs together, following their public debut in September at the Invictus Games. When asked if it had been a romantic proposal, Meghan smiled knowingly at Harry, before replying: "Very!" while the Prince added: "Of course!" The royal also sweetly said that he had known Meghan was the One "since the very first time we met".

Their announcement read: "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 and Meghan Markle surprised the world on Monday morning when they announced the news of their engagement. The couple couldn't hide their delight as they posed for official photos on at the beautiful Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, where Meghan proudly showed off her beautiful engagement ring for the very first time.

When Harry whisked Meghan away for a romantic holiday in Africa over the summer, speculation was rife that he was preparing to propose. But it has emerged that the Prince waited until their return to pop the question, choosing to ask for Meghan's hand in marriage in London earlier this month. While it is not known exactly where Harry proposed, it is likely he did it in the place they will soon share as their first home together - Nottingham Cottage, in the grounds of Kensington Palace.

Harry has lived in the two bedroom cottage for the past few years, and it has been confirmed that Meghan will be moving into the royal residence with her fiancé. The cottage would have been the ideal place for a proposal, offering the couple complete peace and privacy to celebrate their happy news without fear of their secret being leaked before they were ready to share the announcement with the public.

Meghan moved out of her apartment in Toronto after filming Suits, and according to sources she sent her two dogs – Guy and Bogart – to stay with her mum until she was settled in London with Harry. A source told Us Weekly: "Meghan has been really concerned with getting her dogs over to London. The UK is extremely strict with animals and laws are very harsh. It's been something she's been worrying about since a London move was decided."

One major factor which proved the engagement was imminent includes Meghan stepping away from several of her commitments. She stopped updating her lifestyle blog, The Tig and moved away from her ambassador role to the Canadian clothing company Reitmans. She also took a step away from social media, and has been posting less on her Instagram account.

Meghan joined Prince Harry for the Invictus Games in Canada, which marked their first official public event together, which was a clear sign that their relationship was a serious one. Harry also held hands with his partner, which broke royal protocol as royals are encouraged not to show affection in public, which is why Prince William and Kate never hold hands during events.

Meghan's ring features a large central diamond, flanked on either side by two smaller jewels set on a gold band. The stones were specially selected by the Prince; the central dimaond is from Botswana, where the couple recently holidayed together, and the other two diamonds are from his late mother Princess Diana's personal collection. 

Earlier this year, Meghan opened up about her relationship with Prince Harry for the first time in the interview with Vanity Fair, saying: "We're a couple, we're in love. I'm sure there will be a time when we will have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time. This is for us. It's part of what makes it so special, that it's just ours. But we're happy. Personally, I love a great love story."

The couple are planning to make Harry's current base, Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace, their marital home. Meghan will become an HRH and a senior royal after marrying Harry and joining the Windsors. The Suits star is expected to become a duchess - just like Kate Middleton did when she became the Duchess of Cambridge after exchanging her vows in 2011.

Dressed in white winter coat, Suits actress Meghan beamed as she stood hand-in-hand with Harry, her diamond ring on display as they spoke to reporters. The couple, who started dating last summer, looked head-over-heels in love as they posed for their first official photographs together, following their public debut in September at the Invictus Games.

Their long-anticipated engagement was announced by the Prince of Wales on Monday morning with a statement saying the couple, who have been dating for 16 months, will marry in the spring next year. A beaming Meghan, in a white belted coat, clutched Harry's hand with both of her hands as they posed briefly for the press, and showed off her diamond engagement ring.

The American actress flaunted her stunning engagement ring at the photocall. Harry, 33, also revealed that he wanted to marry Meghan "from the very first time we met". The lovebirds have been dating since the summer of 2016. Their 16-month whirlwind romance blossomed when they met through mutual friends in London, and the pair have been almost inseparable in recent months.

The much-anticipated engagement news was confirmed by the Prince of Wales in a brief statement issued by Clarence House. 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 added: "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 couple air became engaged in London earlier this month, and modern man Harry sought the blessing of both of Meghan's parents. Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland wished their daughter and Harry "a lifetime of happiness", adding: "We are incredibly happy for Meghan and Harry."