Meghan Markle and Prince Harry congratulated on engagement

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry congratulated on engagement

Meghan Markle's parents led the congratulations to their daughter and Prince Harry today after the couple announced their engagement.

Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland told how they were 'incredibly happy' for the couple, while Prince Charles said he was 'thrilled' for his son and the US actress.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge told how they were 'very excited' for Harry and Miss Markle, while the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh said they were 'delighted'.

Politicians also reacted joyfully, with Prime Minister Theresa May saying it was a 'time of huge celebration', and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson calling it 'fantastic news'. 

A statement by Miss Markle's parents Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland said: 'We are incredibly happy for Meghan and Harry. Our daughter has always been a kind and loving person. 

'To see her union with Harry, who shares the same qualities, is a source of great joy for us as parents. We wish them a lifetime of happiness and are very excited for their future together.'

Miss Markle is close to her 'free-spirited' mother and her 'thoughtful, inspiring' father, and has previously written lovingly of her relationship with both.

Visiting Poundbury in Dorset, the Prince of Wales said he was 'thrilled' and 'very happy indeed' for Harry and Miss Markle.

Meanwhile a Buckingham Palace spokesman said the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh 'are delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness'.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Harry's brother Prince William and sister-in-law Kate, added: '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.'

Mrs May said: 'I would like to offer my very warmest congratulations to HRH Prince Harry and Meghan Markle upon their engagement.

'This is a time of huge celebration for two people in love. On behalf of myself, the Government and the country, I wish them great happiness for the future.'

Her predecessor David Cameron said: 'Congratulations to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Wonderful news and I wish them a long and happy life together.' 

And Mr Johnson‏ added: 'Huge congratulations to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle - fantastic news! Here's to a happy and long life together.'

Speaking in Glasgow today, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: 'Congratulations to Harry and Meghan. I wish them well. 

'I hope they have a great time and great fun together - and, having met Harry a couple of times, I'm sure they are going to have a great deal of fun together.

'What I would also like to say is that I really do admire the way that Harry and his brother have drawn attention to mental health conditions all across the country.

'I wish them well, thank him for what he's done on mental health and hope they have a great life together.' 

Meanwhile Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby added: 'I am absolutely delighted to hear the news that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are now engaged. 

'I have met Prince Harry on a number of occasions and have always been struck by his commitment and passion for his charities, and his immense love for his family.

'Marriage is a special and joyous commitment, one that Jesus celebrated together with friends at the wedding in Cana.

'I am so happy that Prince Harry and Ms Markle have chosen to make their vows before God.

'I wish them many years of love, happiness and fulfilment and ask that God blesses them throughout their married life together.'

Fifth in line to the throne Harry, 33, has been dating the 36-year-old star, who found fame in the US legal drama Suits, since the summer of 2016.

Their 16-month whirlwind romance blossomed when they met through mutual friends in London.

The pair have been almost inseparable in recent months, with Miss Markle said to have virtually moved in to Harry's home at Kensington Palace.