Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are officially engaged

It has finally happened!

It’s official: a Prince Harry and Meghan Markle engagement is ON.

In a statement released by Clarence House, Harry and his American actress girlfriend – who he began dating last year - confirmed their plans to marry.

Rumours had been flying that a royal wedding was on the cards after Harry reportedly introduced Meghan to the Queen over tea at Buckingham Palace in October - the final seal of approval.

Meghan also reportedly quit her long-running role on US drama Suits earlier this year, which many took as a sign she was preparing for her next phase of life as a working royal.

Messages of congratulation for the couple came from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and Meghan Markle's parents Dora Ragland and Thomas Markle.

Meghan’s future husband is currently fifth in line to the throne (sixth when Kate and William’s new baby arrives in April next year) and like his older brother Prince William he's expected to take a Dukedom when he marries Meghan.

Royal Historian Marlene Koenig told Royal Central last year, ‘Most likely Harry will be created a Duke. Sussex is available so she [Meghan Markle] would be HRH the Duchess of Sussex. Her rank would be a princess by marriage of the United Kingdom, Great Britain and Northern Ireland.’