Before the recent announcement of an engagement between Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle, the Buckingham Palace released a statement protecting the privacy of the couple.
A spokesperson revealed that they "would not give a running commentary on Harry's love life." This came at a time when bookmakers had suspended all betting on Prince Harry and Markle's engagement while awaiting the announcement of the engagement of the 33-year-old royalty and the "Suits" actress.
"Royal watchers would love a Christmas engagement announcement, and as far as we're concerned it's coming imminently," a spokesperson for Ladbrokes previously said in an interview with Daily Mail a few days before the news broke.
With the recent announcement, various rumors have now been laid to rest. First, the engagement ring is confirmed to contain diamonds from Princess Diana's personal collection. That said, while previous rumors said that it would include diamonds from Princess Diana's brooch, the actual ring also has a diamond from Botswana, where the couple has spent much time together.
Meanwhile, another insider claimed that fans should expect a summer wedding. With the announcement revealing that the couple plans to wed around spring of next year, predictions have shifted to a March ceremony.
As for their respective family's reactions, Prince Harry's suit was accepted and blessed by Markle's parents, who later released a statement via the official Twitter account of Kensington Palace. They expressed happiness that their daughter found a like-minded partner, and concluded with, "We wish them a lifetime of happiness and are very excited for their future together."
On the other hand, the British royal family has also warmly welcomed the American actress. According to a spokesman from Buckingham Palace, grandparents Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip are "delighted" and "wish [the couple] every happiness."
Prince Harry's older brother, Prince William, and wife, Duchess of Cambridge, Kate, also released a statement saying, "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."
