Congratulations to Prince Harry and Meghan!

Yesterday HRH Prince Henry of Wales and actress Meghan Markle announced their engagement, with a Wedding following in the spring of 2018. The ceremony will take place at St George's Chapel in Windsor, a more intimate venue, with a capacity of 800 rather than the traditional Westminster Abbey, which can hold 2000.

I would like to offer my congratulations to the happy couple, as you would expect; my Royalist credentials intact. I know very little about Ms Markle, having lived in Spain for nearly two years, not following British news and reading newspapers very occasionally. When it became clear, these two were going to get hitched, I did a little research myself. 

Meghan is indeed a breath of fresh air, her charitable and humanitarian work, at the forefront of her life. She is used to the media, working in the industry she represents and will be completely different to any other member of the Royal Family we have had in the past. Strikingly, Meghan is also from mixed race heritage, a first for a Royal bride; it shows how far we have moved on from the divisive discrimination of the past; I for one am delighted Meghan will become a member of the Royal Family. Listening to her and Harry on BBC Breakfast this morning, I was struck by the love they have for each other and how informed and eloquent Meghan was; a far cry from the Diana and Charles interview, just before their Wedding; If anyone can handle life in the spotlight, it's Megan. As preparations begin for the Marriage in May, I am sure she will have plenty of time to cement her position, as a member of the most famous family in the World and unlike other Royal brides, will have the full support of her future husband, Prince Harry!

Many congratulations to both Harry and Meghan, may you have many happy years together. The Monarchy stands taller today than it did yesterday!