Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce engagement

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are now engaged.REUTERS/Toby Melville

Wedding bells are ringing among the courtyards of the British monarchy as the royal family has announced that Prince Harry is now engaged to American actress Meghan Markle.

The engagement of the couple was announced in a statement from Clarence House, which was also posted online via Twitter. The royal wedding is expected to take place in spring, although not much details have been announced just yet.

The statement also confirmed that Prince Harry has informed Queen Elizabeth, as well as the close members of his family about the engagement. He has also sought and received the blessing of Markle's parents.

The couple also addressed the media and shared how the prince proposed to his fiancée. The proposal happened earlier this month at the Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace.

According to the newly-engaged couple, they were just having a cozy night roasting chicken when the prince popped the question. "It was just an amazing surprise. It was so sweet, and natural, and very romantic," Markle said of Prince Harry's proposal. "He got on one knee," she added with a giggle.

The actress also shared that Prince Harry could barely finish his proposal because she wanted to say "yes" right away.

According to Prince Harry, he knew that Markle was "the one" the very first time that they met. The couple's shared passion for charitable endeavors was reportedly what helped them from a bond and, ultimately, fall in love.

While addressing the media, Markle also showed off her new engagement ring, which was designed by the prince himself. He sourced the central diamond from Botswana, a country that holds special significance for both of them. The main jewel is flanked on either side by two diamonds that also hold significance for the prince. "The little diamonds either side are from my mother's jewelry collection to make sure that she's with us on this crazy journey together," he said.