In a tweet at 10am this morning the palace said: "The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle."

The fifth in line to the British throne confirmed today that he has proposed to American actress Meghan following a one year relationship - and she’s happily accepted.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry appear first time as engaged couple

The statement read: "The wedding will take place on 19th May 2018.

Clarence House reported that the pair got engaged earlier in November and are to marry in spring 2018.

“The couple will live in Nottingham Cottage at Kensignton Palace.”

Clarence house added: “Ms. Markle’s parents, Mr. Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland have wished the couple ‘a lifetime of happiness.'”

“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.”

Congratulations to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle! ���� via @DailyMailUK https://t.co/WhE7pZtyr8 pic.twitter.com/JxLdjnll6W

— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) November 27, 2017

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh have said they "are delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness".

On a visit to Dorset, the Prince of Wales said he was "thrilled" and "very happy indeed" for Prince Harry and Ms Markle.

Harry and Meghan have never spoken publicly about their relationship or how they met, but it’s widely believed they first rubbed shoulders in Canada in 2016, while Harry, 32, was in the country to launch his Invictus Games.