Prince Harry says he and US actress girlfriend Meghan Markle fell in love “so incredibly quickly” and it seemed proof that the “stars were aligned”.
The fifth in line to the throne was speaking after the couple announced their engagement and plans to marry in spring 2018.
Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle are “thrilled and happy” to be engaged. pic.twitter.com/HBz30SbZVE
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 27, 2017
The couple told the BBC’s Mishal Husain they met on a blind date and neither had known much about each other.
Prince Harry said Ms Markle “just tripped and fell into my life”.
He added he believed Markle and his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, would have been “thick as thieves… best friends”.
Markle is already involved with humanitarian work and is a women’s advocate with the UN.
She said with her new role she would focus even more energy on the causes that are important to her.
Prince Harry added: “I know that she will be unbelievably good at the job part of it as well.”
The couple described how they were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend, and how they got to know each other camping in Botswana.
Prince Harry said he proposed earlier this month during a “standard, typical night for us” at his home in Kensington Palace as the couple were making roast chicken.
“It was just an amazing surprise. It was so sweet, and natural and very romantic,” Markle said.
Prince Harry said: “She didn’t even let me finish. She said ‘Can I say yes’.
“Then there were hugs and I had the ring in my finger.
“I was like ‘ Can I give you the ring’. It was a really nice moment. Just the two of us.”
Turning to Markle, Prince Harry said: “And I think I managed to catch you by surprise as well.”
Earlier, the couple posed for photographs outside Kensington Palace in London, where they will live.
Prince Harry said he was “thrilled” while Markle said she was “so very happy”.
Markle, wearing a white belted coat, held Harry’s hand as they appeared briefly for the press at the palace’s Sunken Garden, and showed off her diamond engagement ring.
Asked by a reporter when he knew Suits star Markle “was the one”, Prince Harry said: “The very first time we met”.
According to Clarence House, the wedding will take place in Spring 2018. It will be the biggest royal wedding since his brother Prince William walked down the aisle with Kate Middleton in 2011.
In a statement, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip said they were “delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness.”
