Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's engagement: All the photos

<p><a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/prince-harry">Prince Harry</a> and <a href="https://ca.hellomagazine.com/tags/0/meghan-markle">Meghan Markle</a> 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. <p>Photo: © PA
<p>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." <p>Photo: © Getty Images
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 in Toronto. <p>Photo: © Getty Images
<p>The couple 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." <p>Photo: © PA
<p>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." <p>Photo: © Getty Images
<p>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 over dinner at their home at Kensington Palace. <p>Photo: © PA
<p>Meghan moved out of her apartment in Toronto in mid-November after wrapping up her final season on <i>Suits</i>. <p>Photo: © Getty Images
Proving her Canadian roots run deep, Meghan stepped out in a winter white coat by the brand LINE and Birks earrings to make her debut as the future Mrs. Henry Wales. <p>Photo: © PA
<p>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. <p>Photo: © PA
<p>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. <p>Photo: © PA
<p>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." <p>Photo: © PA
<p>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 did when she became the Duchess of Cambridge after exchanging her vows in 2011. <p>Photo: © PA
<p>Harry has lived in a two bedroom cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace 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. <p>Photo: © PA
<p>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. <p>Photo: © PA
© 2001-2019, HELLO! - All rights reserved