There is no need to speculate any longer about when Prince Harry will propose to American actress Meghan Markle. The royal family and Markle's parents announced on Monday, November 27 that the couple became engaged in London earlier this month. Close family members knew about the engagement before it was officially announced to the public.

The announcement

The announcement came from Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.

He said he was delighted to announce the engagement of his youngest son, Prince Harry to Meghan Markle. He indicated that the engaged couple will marry in the spring of 2018, and the exact date will be revealed later. He added that Harry's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth has given her blessing for the upcoming marriage. Also, Harry asked Meghan's parents for their blessing as well.

The interview

The couple posed briefly for photos and a few questions in front of Kensington Palace where they are living. When asked how they felt, Prince Harry, fifth in line to the throne, said he was thrilled. Meghan said they are so very happy.

When the newly engaged couple went inside, they talked a little more about their engagement. The 36-year-old actress said that she agreed to marry the 33-year-old prince before he finished asking her to marry him while on his knee during the romantic proposal.

Prince Harry wore a blue suit and his fiancée wore a white belted coat, and she held on tightly to Harry's hand. She showed off her diamond engagement ring that was designed by Prince Harry. It has a gold band with two diamonds from his late mother's collection on each side of the center diamond from Botswana, a country where the couple has spent time together during their courtship.

The couple's journey

The couple met on a blind date that was set up by mutual friends in London in July 2016.

Harry said he knew then that he wanted to marry Meghan. They began dating that summer, but it wasn't until November 2016 that the public was made aware of it. It was at that time that Harry released a statement to the media to refrain from harassing his girlfriend.

For 16 months, the couple spent a lot of time together even though Meghan was living in Toronto, Canada while filming her television legal drama, "Suits." She has since given it up after seven seasons. During the time they were dating, Prince Harry took her on several vacations, and they have spent holidays and special occasions together. They made their first public appearance as a couple last September at the Invictus Games that were hosted by Prince Harry in Toronto.

That was the same month that an exclusive from Meghan was in Vanity Fair magazine. She said at that time that they are two people who are really happy and in love.

Now that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are engaged, many more details will be revealed in the coming days. The public is waiting to find out more about them and their plans for the future.