All the Deets on Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's Engagement

Prince Harry has indeed put a ring on it. After intense speculation and anticipation (with many believing the big news was to drop last Thursday) Prince Charles has finally announced the engagement of Harry and Meghan Markle—with a wedding to come in May 2018 at Windsor Castle.

Speedy engagement

If you think a wedding only six months after the engagement seems rushed, you’re not wrong. According to Entertainment Tonight, it’s going to be a speedy engagement because Prince Harry really wants his aging grandfather, 96-year old Prince Philip, to be there for it all. It’s no secret that the Duke of Edinburgh is slowing down; in fact, he recently formally retired from his royal duties. According to royal expert Kate Nicholl, Harry is “incredibly close to his grandfather and, being 96, Harry thought it was it was a great thing to [have] the wedding sooner rather than later, so his grandfather could be there, fit and healthy.”

The venue

Tug at our flippin’ heart strings, why don’t you?! Nicholl says this can, in part, account for the venue choice, as well—St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle is where his grandmother and grandfather live. Plus, “[Harry] didn’t want to get married at the same place as his brother. He didn’t want to have such a big royal wedding at Westminster Abbey — it doesn’t need to be as big as William’s wedding. Harry really wanted to have something a little bit more intimate.”

The ring

The “trilogy” (read “three-stone”) ring was reportedly designed by Prince Harry (#swoon) and is comprised of a central diamond from Botswana surrounded by two diamonds from Princess Diana’s personal collection, set in white gold with a yellow gold band.

A photo of Meghan Markle's three-stone engagement ring

The announcement

After the news was officially announced, the newly-engaged couple appeared in the Kensington Palace Gardens for a photo call; Meghan repped Canada v. nicely in a white Line trench coat (site is literally already crashing) and Birks earrings. During a supes brief Q & A session, Meghan called the engagement “romantic,” with Harry noting that more details would come later today in a televised interview; he also said that he knew Meghan was the one “the very first time we met.” (#doubleswoon).

The engagement news came early Monday. In an official statement, Prince Charles noted that he was “delighted” to announce the engagement—which apparently took place in London earlier this month—and that Harry had “sought and received the blessing of Miss Markle’s parents.”

The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle. pic.twitter.com/zdaHR4mcY6

— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) November 27, 2017

Where they’ll live

He also stated that the couple will live in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace, but we knew that already.

Will and Kate weigh in

In a series of tweets, the Palace also released well wishes from Prince William and Kate, who said that “it has been wonderful getting to know Meghan and to see how happy she and Harry are together:”

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said of the engagement:
‘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.’

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 27, 2017