- Meghan Markle, 36, and Prince Harry, 33, have been dating for 16 months
- The Queen is reported to have met Meghan and given her blessing for a marriage between the couple
- Reports have surfaced today that Meghan has been issued with royal protection officers
Sunday 26th November, 2017: 10:41am
Meghan Markle has been spotted with bodyguards from the Metropolitan Police’s Protection Command, in the biggest sign yet the couple are secretly engaged.
The Duchess of Cambridge was only assigned police protection after she became secretly engaged to Prince William in Kenya, almost a month before an official announcement was made in November 2010.
A female close protection officer is understood to be shadowing Kate’s bodyguard, Sergeant Emma Probert, in preparation for becoming Meghan’s personal protection officer, Sunday Express Royal Editor Camilla Tominey wrote today.
Sunday 26th November, 2017: 9:33am
Downing Street was prepared for an announcement at 11am on Thursday, Sunday Express Royal Editor Camilla Tominey revealed today.
The Prime Minister was poised to release a congratulatory statement, but Kensington Palace was “spooked” into postponing it by intense speculation, say sources.
A Government source said: “Everyone was expecting the announcement to go out at 11am on Thursday.
“We think the Palace got spooked by phone calls from various media outlets. The statement was being prepared on behalf of the Prime Minister. It’s now being considered a case of any day now.”
Sunday 26th November, 2017: 8:21am
A royal source told the Daily Star a meeting was held at the Queen’s household on Friday to confirm the news to Buckingham and Kensington Palace staff.
The source said: “They are engaged but they are trying to sort a few things out now, like house hunting for a retreat and other things.
“It will be up to them to decide when to announce it as they want to do it their own way, which Her Majesty agrees with.”
The source explained an announcement could be made at any time, with the public potentially finding out as soon as next week, or having to wait until the New Year.
Sunday 26th November, 2017: 7:31am
Meghan has been seen shopping in London this week, popping into Heidi Klein on the King’s Road.
Strolling along with a blonde companion, Meghan was wrapped up against the autumn chill.
She wore all black for her day out, choosing flared jeans, black boots and a chunky knit black jumper from Smyth to blend into the crowd.
Her outfit was accented with grey, and Meghan looked chic in a long grey scarf wrapped several times around her neck and a grey leather jacket.