Is Prince Harry planning to 'marry-and-elope' with Meghan Markle?

We still want pictures of the dress, though

Words by Jadie Troy-Pryde

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been dating for a year, and as time goes on rumours about a royal engagement have been coming thick and fast. It has even been suggested that the Queen has given them their blessing, and that the Prince will pop the question before the summer is out.

He hasn't really spoken publicly about his relationship with the Suits actress, and the pair have decided to keep their blossoming romance out of the media. Harry has reportedly going so far as to hire out the National History Museum to take Meghan on a private tour (which, to be fair, sounds like the best date ever).

However, Harry recently revealed that he was once considering leaving the royal family, explaining that he struggled to deal with the intense scrutiny and public pressures that comes with being a prince.

So both things considered, it's hardly surprising that Harry is allegedly planning a very low-key affair when it comes to walking down the aisle with Meghan.

According to a new report, the prince is not planning a royal wedding in line with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's spectacular affair back in 2011 - instead, he is turning down 'a showy wedding' in favour of 'getting married somewhere private and eloping.'

Us Weekly claims that it's likely Harry will ask Meghan to marry him in August for two reasons; firstly, it is a significant time for him as this year marks the 20th anniversary of his mother, Princess Diana's, tragic death; secondly, Meghan's birthday falls on 4th August.

A source told the publication: 'He feels getting engaged will lift that gloom forever because he will be able to associate August with something joyful.'

The news comes after Harry's friend, former US Marine Kirstie Ennis, hinted that an engagement is not too far off.

When asked about any chance of a royal wedding, she said: 'I don't think I'm worried about the wedding. I'm worried about the after-party.'

But when probed for more answers, she responded: 'I am pleading the Fifth [amendment]!'

We'll start hat shopping now...