Prince harry is to marry his american girlfriend, the actress Meghan Markle. He said he is delighted and that the engagement has the blessing of miss markles parents. A statement from Clarence House in the past hour said the couple had become engaged in london earlier this month. In a statement, prince harry said he was delighted to announce the duke and duchess of cambridge said, we are very happy for them and we have enjoyed getting to know her. We are very happy for them. Their relationship has developed in the main out of sight of the media. One exception was when they appeared hand in hand at the Invictus Games in toronto, the games which he has done so much to organise taking place in the city where she has lived. Those who saw them said that they looked like a couple very much in love. That has been confirmed by Meghan Markle herself. Notwithstanding the couples reservations about the media she gave a article to vanity fair which said, we are a couple and in love. Twice it had seemed he had found the right person before. Chelsea davey, born in zimbabwe and educated in britain was his girlfriend for six yea rs. Britain was his girlfriend for six years. Then there was cressida bonus a young actress from an aristocratic family. The relationships founded in pa rt family. The relationships founded in part because of intense media scrutiny. That scrutiny might be something Meghan Markle is better to deal with. Youre pretty. Something Meghan Markle is better to dealwith. Youre pretty. We can something Meghan Markle is better to deal with. Youre pretty. We can get it out of the way that im not interested. As an actress, she is used to the public spotlight. There are other significant dimensions to her life. She has described herself asa her life. She has described herself as a strong her life. She has described herself as a strong woman her life. She has described herself as a strong woman of mixed race. Her father of irish descent, her mother an african american. She is our un advocate for the empowerment of women. I am proud to be a woman and a feminist. For harry, and engagement finally offers the prospect of the personal fulfilment which at times has seemed elusive. As any girl will ever tell you,. This was him in a us interview in 2012. Im 27 years old and not so much searching for someone to fulfil the role but finding someone who would be willing to take it on. Harry has finally found that special person. One of the couples immediate challenges will be to find some privacy. In a statement soon after the relationship became public, harry said, this isnt a game, this is his and miss markles life. A life that is about to take a remarkable change in direction as she prepares tojoin remarkable change in direction as she prepares to join the British Royal family. She prepares to join the British Royalfamily. And she prepares to join the British Royal family. And nicholas she prepares to join the British Royalfamily. And nicholas is with me now. Just take us through the details that we know so far. Very few details. They have become engaged within the last few weeks. That is the one surprise because it had been assumed that they had become engaged assumed that they had become engaged a few months ago. According to the statement from Clarence House, they became engaged in london earlier this month. Other than that, we are going to have to wait for further details about the wedding. They say that it will take place in the spring of next year, robert billy made, given that the cambridges baby is due in april. Probably. Will it take place in a church . Probably. The reason for speculation is because she is a divorcee and the church of england has conventions about that. It is very much up the discretion of the priest or bishop oi discretion of the priest or bishop or in this case probably the archbishop. The archbishop of canterbury has indicated that he is sympathetic to a Church Marriage for a divorcee providing neither of the parties has been involved in the break up of the previous marriage. Clearly, that is not the case. He has probably been consulted about this. I think he certainly has. Rumour has it that he has already been sounded out about the prospects for being a Church Wedding and i would imagine that he has indicated that it would be possible. Different sort of royal engagement, isnt it . Here we have an american divorcee which resonate to some extent in terms of royal family history. 80 years since edward viii gave up the road in order to marry a divorcee. Very different in that he was the heir to the throne. Harry is fifth in line and there isnt the same sensitivity. And society under royal family have moved same sensitivity. And society under royalfamily have moved on same sensitivity. And society under royal family have moved on massively since those days. The other significant fact is that she is a woman of mixed race. She says that she is a proud woman of mixed race herself. She brings that dimension to the royal family and i herself. She brings that dimension to the royalfamily and i think it will be seen as a very positive signal and i will be seen as a very positive signaland i imagine that will be seen as a very positive signal and i imagine that all members of the royal family will embrace that fact as being a very positive development for them. Clearly they are very much in love as she declared in vanity fair quite recently. They will be looking forward to marrying and starting a family fairly quickly. Harry is very popular. The media will be all over this. I would say so. The American Media would be extremely excited at the prospect of an american marrying into the royal family and the thing that comes across is that she is very poised and confident and she is this un advocate for the empowerment of women and quite used to the public stage, apart from being an actress, i think she will take readily to a public role, though she will need to adapt to the peculiarities, if we can put it that way to life in britain, within the royalfamily way to life in britain, within the royal family there will be certain protocol and etiquette that she will have to get to understand and i think that others who have married into the royal family have found it quite a challenge but she is clearly intelligent and sassy and feisty and she will have somebody to guide her through it in the shape of her husband. Nick, thank you very much for that. Our royal respondent Nicholas Witchell. The engagement was officially announced by Clarence House who gave this statement. The statement says that prince harry has informed her majesty the queen and other members of his family. The couple will live at nottingham cottage at Kensington Palace. More details from Meghan Markles pa rents. Details from Meghan Markles parents. They released this through Clarence House. They said they are incredibly happy for meghan and harry. My daughter has been a kind and loving person, to see her union with harry who shares the same quality makes is very happy. We are very excited for their future together. Shes also involved with charity work and with the United Nations as an advocate for women. One of her friends there is elizabeth nyamayaro. Our royal correspondent Daniela Relph caught up with ms nyamayaro and asked her how ms markle may choose to use her new role as part of the royal family. I think the biggest thing is actually more so stepping into this new role to be able to also listen. I think she will. Based on the work she has done with others, i think she has done with others, i think she will spend a few months if not yea rs she will spend a few months if not years working behind the scenes listening and identify what needs to change so she can pinpoint the thing that she can make a difference on. There is quite a lot of those areas. There is quite a lot of those areas. The women and girls issue is one thatis the women and girls issue is one that is very personal and she is very passionate about. |j that is very personal and she is very passionate about. I know youre engagement with her has been professional but there is an element of the personal in all this. How will she cope with this new status and the scrutiny that comes with it . Does she strike you as somebody who can manage that pretty well. |j does she strike you as somebody who can manage that pretty well. I think so. Women can learn a lot of things put ina so. Women can learn a lot of things put in a situation. I think her grace that she has shown so far will continue to serve as something very positive for her. Her ability to listen, her passion for other people, wanting to create social change with that level of platform can only be a positive thing. Shell be fine, shell be great, in fact. That was a friend of Meghan Markle. Joining us now is eleanor wood aker, a royal expert. This is very much a modern match, isnt it . Absolutely. Good morning. It is a time for them royalfamily good morning. It is a time for them royal family where we can see how much it is modernising and changing, in terms of william and kates wedding and the crown act, exciting times for the royal family. We have mentioned her charity work and work with the un, how much do you think that social conscience she has, long before she ever met prince harry, is what makes this a really good pairing . Absolutely. I think she has a lot to offer the royal family. Pairing . Absolutely. I think she has a lot to offer the royalfamily. I think her charitable work and also the public face that she can resent, in many different ways, International Focus that she can offer as well makes her a fantastic addition to the royal family. You think she will slot quite easily into this life, do you . Having a public persona herself she is well aware of the demands of being a public figure and dealing with the press and she will find that transition much easier than someone who hasnt had that exposure in the past. Shes been well trained, i guess you could say. One can just imagine the fascination of america with the news of this engagement. Absolutely. You can tell by my own accident that i come from the states myself and there has been a long term fascination with the english royalfamily long term fascination with the english royal family in the states. This will continue that romance, if you like, across the pond. So very exciting times in the states as well with this marriage. Do you think this marriage will further enhance the popularity of the royal family . I think it will. It shows that royal family has to modernise. To be very much in line with its subjects. Its great to have that image of the royalfamily being great to have that image of the royal family being aloof and other, dispelled, there is this willingness to modernise and expand and to see this willingness to follow his own heart and not find someone seen as traditional. I think its fantastic for the royalfamily traditional. I think its fantastic for the royal family and traditional. I think its fantastic for the royalfamily and im delighted for both of them. Thank you very much. The labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has made comments about the engagement during a speech in glasgow. First of all, my congratulations to harry and meghan. I wish them well, i hope they have great fun together. Having met harry a couple of times and assured they will have a great deal of fun together. I really do admin add my the way harry and hezbollah have drawn attention to Mental Health conditions across the country and raise consciousness surrounding Mental Health harry and his brother. I wish them well and i hope they have a great life together. Brother. I wish them well and i hope they have a great life togetherlj they have a great life together. think we can show you a live shot of Kensington Palace. We are told that prince harry and Meghan Markle will appearfor a photocall prince harry and Meghan Markle will appear for a photocall here at Kensington Palace later this afternoon. We are also told that they will do an interview to be aired later this evening, uk time, thatis aired later this evening, uk time, that is an interview and the images from that photocall which will be beamed around the world, massive interest from the international media, particularly in the United States at news of 33 year old prince harry and 36 year old Meghan Markles engagement. With very warm wishes from her parents, wishing them a lifetime of happiness. This is the scene at Kensington Palace. It looks pretty quiet at the moment. I expect that to get a lot busier as the media gathered to get whatever shots they can to do with this story breaking in the last hour or so. Meghan markle will have to work their way through british aristocracy, its an experience american nutritionist and author Julie Montague knows all about as the current viscountess hinch and brooke. She has been talking to our royal correspondent danny deniro i dont know her but she grew up a normal american childhood and lifestyle and she is working, shes worked her way to become this incredibly successful and have this successful career. That is the american way. Im sure that her coming over here and coming over here and marrying into it all, shell have to find her feet because there is a little bit of balancing there. You want to keep your American Values but at the same time you are marrying into this family thatis you are marrying into this family that is deeply rooted in wonderful rich history that you dont want to cause any upheaval with in the family by stepping on the wrong toes or doing something that would embarrass the family. I think a lot of times americans are known to be a little bit embarrassingly. So, ive tried to tone that down too. Whats your sense of what the reaction will be in the states . How will america ta ke be in the states . How will america take it . It gives me chills. I think america is really looking for the next grace kelly, the next Princess Diana and you have them, really mixed together here. You have meghan who is american, marrying into the ultimate british aristocracy and then you have this side of Princess Diana, who america adored because of her humanitarian ways, her kindness with others. She was working and she was normal. That is why she was considered the peoples princess because everybody felt they could relate to her and reach out and talk to her as a friend. I think the american in meghan and the american way is that we are very approachable and very relatable and we have this sense of, we like to smile. America is just sense of, we like to smile. America isjust going to sense of, we like to smile. America is just going to go crazy over this. Is that what you think she can bring to the British Royalfamily. It is more modern than it used to be. It isa more modern than it used to be. It is a changing institution. Has she got the chance to bring Something Else to the party . I think the dynamics of how the british aristocracy are marrying, back in the day, 200 years ago, they were marrying american heiresses. Thats not happening any more. If you look at Prince William as an example, they are marrying for love. No matter what their background is, they dont have to have a title, they dont have to have a title, they dont have to have a title, they dont have to be an american heiress. Sometimes you marry somebody who is incredibly normal. Its incredibly refreshing. I think its a very positive step for the royalfamily to its a very positive step for the royal family to have Meghan Beesley a part of it because i think its showing everybody that the monarchy, the royalfamily, showing everybody that the monarchy, the royal family, especially showing everybody that the monarchy, the royalfamily, especially william and harry, they are normal, just like the rest of us and they are marrying for love. Viscountess tench and brooke, an american from illinois who has married into the royal family. Prince harry illinois who has married into the royalfamily. Prince harry is illinois who has married into the royal family. Prince harry is to marry his girlfriend be american actress Meghan Markle. The announcement came from Clarence House this morning. The queen and duke of edinburgh say they are delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness. The couple who have been dating from june last year are expected to get married in the spring and live at Kensington Palace. The statement was officially released by Clarence House. Too close, it shared an insight into the future together saying they would live at nottingham cottage in Kensington Palace. These are live pictures from Kensington Palace right now. We are told that later today there will be a photocall with the couple and also they will do an interview which will be broadcast this evening. We dont have time for that yet. Those are the plans for the day at Kensington Palace. Justin welby, the archbishop of canterbury has wrecked it saying he was absolutely delighted to hear the news wishing them every love and happiness. The archbishop of canterbury has reacted. The church of england is yet to say whether they will allow a divorcee to get married in church. We dont have any details where the wedding will be held but the archbishop of canterbury has said he is delighted to hear the news of the engagement and wishes them many years of love, happiness, and fulfilment. Kensington palace saying stay tuned for events there later on this afternoon. A photocall with the couple expected early this afternoon and later on a broadcast interview to be recorded which we are told will be aired sometime this evening. Amongst her voluntary work Meghan Markle has been an advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women for the United Nations. She explained how she became aware of the issue. When i wasjust 11 years old i unknowingly and somehow accidentally became a female advocate. It was around the same time as the beijing conference, a little over 20 years ago where in my hometown of los angeles a Pivotal Moment reshaped my notion of what is possible. I had been in school watching a tv show in Elementary School and this commercial came on with the tag line for this dishwashing liquid saying women all over america are fighting greasy pots and pa ns. Over america are fighting greasy pots and pans. Two boys from my class said, yes, thats where women belong, in the kitchen. I remember feeling shocked and angry and also just feeling so hurt. Itjust wasnt right and something needed to be done. So, iwent right and something needed to be done. So, i went home and i told my dad what had happened. And he encouraged me to write letters. So i did to the most powerful people i could ink of. Now, my 11 year old self worked out that if i really wa nted self worked out that if i really wanted someone to hear me, then i should write a letter to the first lady. So off i went, scribbling away to our first lady of the time hillary clinton. Applause i also put pen to paper and wrote to my new source of the time Linda Ellerbe who presented a news programme. And also to Gloria Allred because even at 11 i wanted to cover all the bases. Finally, i wrote to the soap manufacturer and a few weeks went by and, to my surprise, i received letters of encouragement from hillary clinton, from Linda Ellerbe and from Gloria Allred. Applause it was amazing. That was Meghan Markle speaking at the United Nations earlier this year. A statement from the Prime Minister theresa may saying i would like to offer my warmest congratulations to his Royal Highness prince harry and Meghan Markle on their engagement. A time of huge celebration for two people in love, on behalf of myself, and the government i wish them huge congratulations. Growing reaction to this news breaking earlier this morning. With me is royal commentator, katie nicholl. I think people are very happy for prince harry who is a very popular royal and people have been fascinated by this relationship. You are so right. There is a huge amount of goodwill to prince harry. Some would say he is the most popular member of the royal family after the queen and it is largely because he has always won his heart on his sleeve. This is a young boy who has grown up under the gaze of the world. Hes lost his mother, come off the rails. Weve watched him fall in love and fall out of love. But this feels very special. You said he wears his heart on his sleeve, no more so than this year when he talked about the death of his mother when he talked about how he coped and at times didnt cope with it. To hear a Senior Member of the royal family speak so candidly about grief, trauma and loss was incredibly refreshing and if he didnt have a beginnerfan base incredibly refreshing and if he didnt have a beginner fan base to begin with, by the end of this year that will have grown. He has this incredible quality in which we can really relate to him. You dont describe members of the royalfamily as normal. They are not normal. But there is something wonderfully ordinary about prince harry. This is such a regular romance. This is a prince who has met his ideal woman who happens to be a hugely famous actress in her right. It has been a Long Distance romance and a whirlwind but these things happen in the real world as well as in the royal family. This is someone who will cope with the demands of royal life. A lot of people have said she is everything you wouldnt expect of a royal bride, an actress, older than him, a divorcee. Having spent time in the spotlight makes her incredibly ready for this job. Prince harrys exes couldnt handle it. But look at how she has dealt with this. With discretion. She hasnt spoken out. She has been a model example of a modern royal consort. Everything from her love of dogs, we probably knew this engagement was imminent when she moved her dogs over. Clearly, her social conscience, it all makes her well suited to harry and well equipped for that life. Well suited to harry and wellequipped for that life. After that early meeting in the summer of 2016, one of the things they really connected over was theirjoint passion for human area to area and work. Meghan has realised that her profile of fords her unique spotlight and she has chosen to put the spotlight on issues that are close to her and i have heard that prince harry was blown away by her passion for all things humanitarian and it is something that cements them and unites them and you couldnt ask for a better royal consort. Ina the in a the prince of wales in dorset, saying he is thrilled and very happy indeed for prince harry and Meghan Markle. What sort of wedding do you think it might be . This is going to be endless speculation until we find out where and when it is going to be. We do know that, should they wish to get married in a church, whether it is st pauls cathedral westminster abbey, they will be allowed to do it. There is a lot of talk that Meghan Markle as a divorcee will not have that privilege, but actually she can. But we mightfind privilege, but actually she can. But we might find that prince harry wa nts a we might find that prince harry wants a different wedding from his brothers. It might be a bit more low key. Heads of state, royal dignitaries, are we good to see something a bit smaller . We will find out these details of the next day or so. Kensington palace are keeping their cards close to their chest. And there are people who are not fans of the monarchy. But i think a lot of people might well be ina mood think a lot of people might well be in a mood for national celebration. I think you are right, it has been a miserable year, the Political Landscape not instilling much confidence in any of us. So what better to bring a nation together than a Royal Wedding . You might not bea than a Royal Wedding . You might not be a huge fan of the royal family but prince harry has done an enormous amount of good and there is a genuine affection for him and huge interest in this wedding. When have we ever since as high profile as Meghan Markle marion to the royal family . If can bring it into the 21st century, think it will be this couple. Marry in to the royal family. Good to talk to you. There is due to be a photocall at Kensington Palace this evening and an interview will be recorded which will be broadcast at some point this evening. Lets go to Kensington Palace. Given that there is good to bea palace. Given that there is good to be a photocall, you can imagine and there is quite a lot of media here already. Welcome to Kensington Palace, where the news is starting to filter out to people. Many of them as i have discovered in the last hour or so arejust them as i have discovered in the last hour or so are just out to try to enjoy a nice rather blustery walk in hyde park today. We have asked lots of people what they think of it all and that is the sort of reaction we have been getting. Lots of people here at Kensington Palace where we understand they will live, the new royal couple. We have asked lots of people for their reaction, brits and americans as well, because that is one of the things that is so striking about this story. When we hear american tourists go past, we are keen to know what they think. Quite striking some of the reaction, a lot of british people i have talked to quite nonplussed saying, it is very nice but really little more than that, some classic british reserve around here today. Some of the americans saying, one group were very funny indeed, saying they were quite astonished when i said he is marrying an American Woman, and they said, really . They had clearly never heard of Meghan Markle. That might tell its own story in a way. So we wait here at Kensington Palace for the photocall later this afternoon. A blustery day, lots of people around. Very much a tourist hotspot, this part of london. People from all over the world and crucially a growing pack, as you would expect, of journalists from all growing pack, as you would expect, ofjournalists from all over growing pack, as you would expect, of journalists from all over the world. I was talking to a canadian broadcaster earlier, and if you know anything about canada, there is a real love for the royal family in canada, and the young lady from the canadian broadcaster i was talking to said, in canada, they are already speculating as to whether prince harry and Meghan Markles first overseas trip once they are married will be to her country, because you may remember that when william and kate got married, that was their first overseas trip as a married couple. It was a royal tour that i went on with the bbc, and it was quite an eye opening experience. I had not realised the extent to which the royal couple were so popular in canada. The reaction that william and kate got one they went, it was proper rock star status in many of the cities that we visited. The canadian broadcasters ive been talking to hear this morning are hoping that the first trip for prince harry and Meghan Markle is good to be to canada as well. And one can only imagine the reception it will get if that turns out to be the case. Im not sure they will get back on the level of detail today, we are at an early stages of this. We are now going to talk to the royal correspondent for the daily express, one of manyjournalists gathered out you today. Camilla, good morning. You are here earlier than many people. I think you had a tip off than many people. I think you had a tipoff i dont know if you saw the sunday express yesterday, but we did suggest that this could be imminent yesterday. There was also a frenzy on thursday that something was planned, and you might have seen stories about downing street being primed and Kensington Palace said, no its correct. But it has always been on the cards. Incorrect. We broke the story of their relationship last october, and then an unprecedented statement was released by prince harry, saying she is my girlfriend but please lay off, we do not want a media frenzy. And even then, that suggested it was a serious relationship are integral to that length. And then meghan did that length. And then meghan did that vanity fair article, a couple of months back she was a cover girl, she was asked about harry, and she said, we are in love and will tell asked ory due course she also revealed that they had been dating for six months before the story broke it has been about 18 months, andl broke it has been about 18 months, and i think that is typical for people in their 30s to be engaged. We will now have to speculate about where and when and how they will do it, it will be bridesmaids and so on. I think we can the meet princes best man. I think there is sometimes a tenth safer grooms to do joint things, but they have done a lot of great work this year. There is a lot of goodwill but for prince harry in general because people think what you see is what you get, he is reminiscent of his mother in carrying out royal engagements. He has had the worlds most eligible bachelor status for some years. But he has had a great year, the work they have done on Mental Health, it has had a huge impact. I think they have been given it a lot of credit for being so candid on the 20th anniversary of the mothers death, and fatherhood has been the making of william. The cambridges are established with their two children and another on the way, people are willing that ten of happiness and sta ble willing that ten of happiness and Stable Family setup for prince harry. And if he is good to have that with this american princess to be, that is a great thing. You mention that we are standing at Kensington Palace. Is it a given that they will live here . Humidity are the moment and a little place called nottingham cottage. It is quite small, but people will look at this place and say, i think i wouldnt mind living there. I wrote something sane, they have kane douglas things around a bit, apartment one of the jute and duchess of gloucesters, that could be made available to harry and meghan. I think you will want to have his london base next to his brother and sister in law. This palace is synonymous with his mother, and they were brought up here. They have got friends in this area. But being in the royal family means you have the luxury of a country retreat as well, so in due course, they will only select somewhere, so that is also on the cards. And it is telling that meghan has given up a lot, she was a los angeles kernel living in toronto, she has stopped filming suits, removal vans spotted at her place in toronto, and she is here for the duration. You have hit on a key point, mentioning the statement that he released last year, and that was key. It was so private, wanting to keep the relationship private. But that will not be possible for her, she is now in the spotlight. All the column inches for the coming weeks are going to be about her, as much as people love prince harry, because people will want to know, who is this woman . If they have never watched suits, that is a lot of pressure on a young woman, she is 36 and she will not have experienced british tabloid intrusion. It is not the 1980s any more, i think the royal press pack, which i can comment on as i am one of them, treat the royals were pretty good of respect. We are not following them around on private holidays, popping offa around on private holidays, popping off a tent in botswana trying to attack them. Times have moved on, but equally i think it is to meghans credit that she has handled so well. She did the vanity fair interview, but to be fair, she had not done any other publicity, and we know that as an actress you have to go out there and sell yourself in the shows you are in. I think it is also believed that she has some experience of media intrusion because of her status in los angeles and in canada. Some of harrys previous relationships have not gone to plan because the girlfriends have not wanted this, they have not wa nted not wanted this, they have not wanted people poring over every minute detail. They are both grown ups and i think meghan has beenin grown ups and i think meghan has been in control of her own image and career, and moving forward, they will have help here behind palace gates. There is a whole media operation to support them and equally, if they move into family territory quite quickly, that is sacrosanct. They are not loads of photos of the school run but kate does with prince george, those days are sort of over. There is intense interest, and we were all over it yesterday, but i make no apology for that. I think i was meaning more unscrupulous paparazzi who are freelance, get paid a lot of money for a stolen shot, and whether there is that risk. The comparison is kate. At the moment it will be a bit ofa kate. At the moment it will be a bit of a feeding frenzy, everyone is excited and people want to hear more from making directly because she has been seen and not had that much. That will continue and everyone will hopefully come down a bit. It is a massive story today and for the rest of this week and then we will settle into some official announcements about details on going to be, caterers and caterers and florists and every thing else. That it is a big responsibility, and i think that she will share that limelight with the duchess of cambridge. You have to remember the relationship between Princess Diana and sarah ferguson, they became a bit of a duel. Camilla tominey, thanks very much from the daily express. We will be talking again in the coming weeks. Back to you in the studio. To recap on the breaking news this morning, prince harry has announced his engagement to the actress, american Meghan Markle. The wedding will be in the spring of next year. We are waiting for details such as where it will be, but you can imagine many words of congratulations for them, including from the queen and the duke of edinburgh. From Prince Charles as well, and also from Meghan Markles pa rents, well, and also from Meghan Markles parents, who have said they are incredibly happy with the couples engagement and wish them a lifetime of happiness. He was on bbc one are leading us on the moment, but coverage continues on the bbc news channel and bbc two, we will have more on the announcement and the royal engagement. Viewers on bbc one. The announcement came from Clarence House this morning. The royalfamily have said they are delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness. The couple will live at Kensington Palace. The announcement was officially released by Clarence House. The princess of wales is delighted to announce the engagement of prince harry to Meghan Markle. Further details about the wedding date to be revealed in due course. They became engaged in london earlier this month. Prince harry has informed her majesty the queen and other close bundles of his family. It shared an insight into the couples future together, it said they will live in nottingham cottage in Kensington Palace. Kensington palace have announced their best wishes alongside a photo of the couple at the Invictus Games. The duke and duchess of cambridge shed their congratulations, saying how nice it has been getting to know miss markle. Morecambe graduations from number ten, and theresa may saying, this is a time of huge celebration for two people in love, and on behalf of myself, the government and the country, i was great happiness the future. And still with me, our royal commentator. Thanks for staying with us. They are very much, you can tell, a couple in love. This is a marriage for love not for any other reasons. Yes, and it feels very modern, very much 21st century romance. She is not an aristocratic, not from a european royal family. She is thoroughly modern meghan, everything we might not expect of a royal bride, a famous actress, an american, i divorcee. They met quite randomly, a casual setup in the summer of 2016, and they clicked and fell in love, and they fell in love very quickly. It has not even been 18 months, but this is very normal in terms of the real world, you meet someone, you know they are someone special and he wants to spend the rest of your life with them, and thatis rest of your life with them, and that is exactly what has happened with prince harry. So this has the wonderful feel of, with prince harry. So this has the wonderfulfeel of, it with prince harry. So this has the wonderful feel of, it sounds corny, but a fairy tale romance. They are marrying for love, and everyone is probably overjoyed at the news today. There has been so much speculation, we were all waiting for this announcement, it has come this morning, and later today that will bea morning, and later today that will be a photocall. Youll get to meet Meghan Markle for the first time, we will hopefully get to see the ring, and itjust will hopefully get to see the ring, and it just feels will hopefully get to see the ring, and itjust feels incredibly exciting. A huge frenzy about all those sort of details. How do you think she is going to. What stephen she will do for the royal family, once she joins the family . Is she going to open them up to an even greater section of people around the world . Even greater section of people around the world . Will she increased the popularity further of the royal family . If you look at the duchess of cambridge, when she married into the royal family, i think she did open it up to a greater audience. She brought a freshness to it, a sense of modernist to the royal family, the way she dressed, everything about her, we were very intrigued by her. And i think there was certainly in the surgeons for the royal family, the Royal Wedding of 2011, william and kate still riding on the success of the Royal Wedding. So there is every chance we will see that happen again with Meghan Markle. Not just will see that happen again with Meghan Markle. Notjust because she is an actress, famous, completely different from anyone else, i think there is also such an amount of goodwill towards prince harry. The nation is very much behind this prince. I think well was have been, so to see him finally settle down with someone screamed at his ideal woman is fantastic. I think people will feel really very positive about that. They have been behind this from the start. We started to talk earlier about what sort of wedding this might be. Do you have any doubt that it will be a Church Wedding . She is a divorcee, but we have already had warm congratulations from justin welby, so the signs are certainly that it will be a Church Wedding. Apparently the archbishop of canterbury had previously given his lesson for a wedding in a church. I dont see why they wouldnt or shouldnt. Yes, she is a divorcee, but i think in these modern times it really doesnt matter. There is a choice of venues, technically and legally they can get married at westminster abbey, of course, where william married kate. It might be st pauls cathedral for diana married charles, possibly something smaller and low key at st george s chapel at windsor. Those details will come out over the next few hours or days. Given the due date of the cambridges third child, the wedding might follow that by a couple of months. Kensington palace did announce that the baby might be born in april. I think we will very likely see Prince William is the best man. It makes sense for the wedding to come after the royal baby, but we might see this wedding is early as march, who knows . Thank you for all your thoughts, a very busy day for you. What more do we know about prince harrys bride to be . On the line as cheryl campbell, a celebrity style co nsulta nt campbell, a celebrity style consultant and royal commentator. Good to have you join us today. When you look at images of Meghan Markle out and about with prince harry, she looks very relaxed, and often seems most comfortable in casual clothing. Interesting to see how she looks this afternoon at that photocall, and of course the speculation is bound to begin almost immediately on what sort of dress she might have at her wedding. Of course, and everyone is immediately went to compare her to kate. There are differences of style, or do they do the same, who does it better . And unfortunately that will happen straightaway. Does it better . And unfortunately that will happen straightawaym seems, though, from what we know about the relationship between her and kate, but it is a good one. Absolutely, but they are not in competition, it will be the press that do that. And it is interesting that do that. And it is interesting that meghan has been in the public eye for some in the years as an actress, so she understands the power of how to dress to promote your image and your brand, but she also understands, as i think she has said, when she put her clothes together she likes to make them look, not put together, so there will always be one thing off. If she has got something that is absolutely immaculate, there will be Something Else that makes it a bit more casual and thrown together. When i dress my clients are celebrities, ill was like them to not look like theyve tried, a bit in the way that kate moss was but her clothes together. She throws things together in a very stylish way, but i am sure she hasnt, she has spent a long time putting it together and making it work. I dont want someone to look like they spend hours getting ready, andi like they spend hours getting ready, and i dont think she ever looks like that. She always looks very good and stylish but not like she has tried to hard. As we talked, we are looking at pictures from the Invictus Games. She is wearing jeans, a casually untucked white shirt. If as you say she knows how to dress to promote her image, what has she said so far about herself in these very public pictures we have seen of her with prince harry . She is very relaxed and confident both in herself and in her relationship, and that she doesnt have to try to be something she is not. And i do not believe she will try to be something she is not, she will stay true to herself. I am sure whatever she wears today, she will have a lot of thought put into it, but she is so used to being on camera and being out there, i think it is a very different situation from kate when she first sighted. She has never put a foot wrong, but she has had to dress for her position accordingly, and be appropriate in everything she does because she is one day going to be the queen and she has got to be appropriate and more formal, and anyway, she has to dress more younger and she cannot wear anything sexy, whereas meghan has much more scope to be able to be herself and dress ina scope to be able to be herself and dress in a way that people might think is outside the box. Ceril campbell, style consultant, thank you for your thoughts. We are just when to go back to Kensington Palace where my colleaguejane hill tells more about what is happening later today. We hope this afternoon at some stage there will be a photocall, perhaps a statement, that is what we are told. Simply, it will be this afternoon. Bulls are about as many of the specifics as we know at the moment. Viewers watching will appreciate this is often how things role in the early days of a royal story like this. Ten oclock this morning, the engagement was announced with prince harry and Meghan Markle, and there is here now at Kensington Palace, where prince harry lives at the moment, in a cottage to one side, and from eve ryo ne we have cottage to one side, and from everyone we have been talking to so far, we believe they will continue to live or at least have one of their homes here. That is why we are here. So we have that news, the wedding will be next year. Prince harry is 33, Meghan Markle is 36, and from oil with royal correspondence and commentators we have been talking to today, it is believed they have been dating for a round about 18 months, but always very ha rd to round about 18 months, but always very hard to know specifically, and indeed, why should we . But that is where we are, so we are waiting here at Kensington Palace and we hope to have a photocall with the happy couple later on this afternoon. It isa couple later on this afternoon. It is a popular Tourist Destination anyway, Kensington Palace. This park is very beautiful. It is a cold blustery day but that does not stop people going on long walks through the park. We have been talking to a lot of tourists and a lot of londoners here today asking for their reaction. A lot of the british people i have spoken to fairly nonplussed, they say it is nice, but thatis nonplussed, they say it is nice, but that is about as much enthusiasm as ive been able to summon up. A few americans were very excited that prince harry is going to be marrying an american, but that is not to say from those that i managed to speak to, that they knew who Meghan Markle was. So thatll be a topic of some debate as well. More from here at Kensington Palace of the course of the day. Back to you. Thank you jane. The headlines coming up on the bbc news channel in the moment. We will be saying goodbye to viewers on bbc two. But we will have much more detail on the news of the royal engagement coming up for you on newsroom life. Thank you for watching our bbc news special this hour. The Weather Forecast now. Feeling cool through the next few days, temperatures dropping off. A mixture of sunny spells and showers, some of those showers will be wintry in nature particularly over high ground. Some blue skies earlier this morning, this photo from aberdeenshire. But also some wet and windy weather in the south, this photo sent in air by a weather watchers in east sussex. Rain pushing its way south through working into the north and west. Sunny spells and showers through the rest of this afternoon. Brisk north westerly wind, and the showers could contain the rumble of thunder. Here we are at three oclock this afternoon, a mixture of sunny spells and showers across england and wales. Some of those showers quite heavy, and the sunshine could be a bit hazy at times. Highs of around 10 celsius for london and the south east. A bit more brightness perhaps for northern england, sunny spells and showers for Northern Ireland and scotland, but temperatures largely into the single figures. Again fairly windy. The far south started off with temperatures in the double figures but that has very quickly been replaced by cold aircoming down very quickly been replaced by cold air coming down from the north. You can see here the ice of ours have turned vertical as we move into tomorrow. The isobars. So it will be colder tomorrow, and a bit of a cold start to the day with a touch of frost first thing, particularly in the north. One or two patches of ice as well. Sunny spells and showers initially for the north and scotla nd showers initially for the north and scotland and Northern Ireland and through wales and the south west, but they will largely get going for eastern coastal areas moving through the afternoon. Maximum temperature is around seven celsius, and with the brisk northerly wind, it will not feel warm. A similar setup moving into wednesday, when is firmly coming from the north east. Another chilly start to the day, a mixture of sunny spells and showers, the showers likely in coastal regions particularly in the east. Central areas staying mainly dry and bright. Some of the showers could be a bit wintry. Temperatures again and not too much, staying in single figures moving into wednesday. Highs of around seven celsius, and a similar story moving into thursday. This is bbc news and these are the top stories developing at midday. Prince harry is to marry his girlfriend, the american actress Meghan Markle. The announcement came from Clarence House this morning. The queen and the duke of edinburgh say they are delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness. Imjane hill here at Kensington Palace where prince harry and Meghan Markle will live in nottingham cottage. Meghan markle is an american actress best known for her role in the hit tv series suits. Ms markle is a divorcee having been married once before. The couple, who have been dating since june last year, have been spotted together on several occasions over the last few months. They are set to marry in the spring of 2018. The government launches a plan to reverse the slowdown in britains productivity and growth. Tributes have been made to the three children and two adults who died when a stolen car hit a tree in leeds over the weekend. Indonesian authorities warn there is imminent danger of a full scale volcanic erruption in bali. 100,000 people have been evacuated. Good afternoon. It is the 27th of november. Welcome to bbc newsroom live. Prince harry is to marry his american girlfriend, the actress Meghan Markle. Expecting announcements from Kensington Palace this afternoon. Lets go there and joinjane hill. Hello and welcome to Kensington Palace in central london. In the last couple of hours the announcement that had been widely speculated upon in the last few days and weeks has emerged that prince harry is to marry his american girlfriend Meghan Markle. The couple will live here. This is where the jute and budgets of cambridge live. In nottingham cottage part of the estate here, it is where prince harry has his home and it is where he and Meghan Markle will live as their london base once they are married. Details are scant at this stage. The news only confirmed in the last couple of hours. We think there will be a Royal Wedding next year. Prince harry is 33 and his girlfriend is 36 and she hails from california. Our royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell has this report. Their relationship has developed in the main out of sight of the media. One exception was when they appeared hand in hand at the Invictus Games in toronto, the games which he has done so much to organise taking place in the city where she has lived. Those who saw them said that they looked like a couple very much in love. That has been confirmed by Meghan Markle herself. Notwithstanding the couples reservations about the media she gave a article to vanity fair which said, we are a couple and in love. It brings an end to the bachelor life that harry had enjoyed for a good few years while seeking someone with whom he could settle down and start a family. Twice it had seemed he had found the right person before. Chelsea davey, born in zimbabwe and educated in britain was his girlfriend for six years. Then there was cressida bonas a young actress from an aristocratic family. The relationships foundered in part because of intense media scrutiny. That scrutiny might be something Meghan Markle is better prepared to deal with. Youre pretty. We can get it out of the way that im not interested. As an actress, she is used to the public spotlight. There are other significant dimensions to her life. She has described herself as a strong woman of mixed race. Her father of irish descent, her mother an african american. She is a un advocate for the empowerment of women. I am proud to be a woman and a feminist. For harry, an engagement finally offers the prospect of the personal fulfilment which at times has seemed elusive. As any girl will ever tell you,. This was him in a us interview in 2012. Im 27 years old and not so much searching for someone to fulfil the role but finding someone who would be willing to take it on. Harry has finally found that special person. One of the couples immediate challenges will be to find some privacy. In a statement soon after the relationship became public, harry said, this isnt a game, this is his and miss markles life. A life that is about to take a remarkable change in direction as she prepares to join the British Royal family. Lets just tell you the exact statement from Clarence House in the last couple of hours. His Royal Highness the prince of wales is delighted to announce the engagement of prince harry to ms. Meghan markle. The wedding will take place in spring 2018. Further details about the wedding day will be announces in due course his Royal Highness and ms. Markle became engaged in london earlier this month. Prince harry has informed her majesty the queen and other close members of his family. Prince harry has also sought and received the blessing of ms markles parents the couple will live in nottingham cottage at Kensington Palace. The parents of Meghan Markle have also released a statement through Clarence House. Mr Thomas Markle and ms 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 greatjoy for us as parents. We wish them a lifetime of happiness and are very excited for their future together. Lets discuss what we know so far and what that future might be. Im joined by the royal correspondent for the sunday times. So much speculation over the last few weeks. It feels like no surprise now. Speculation over the last few weeks. It feels like no surprise nowm was the announcement that we have all been waiting for. Its wonderful news. Something that says it is going to be a very busy spring. We dont know exact dates for births marriages next year but it is striking that it might come around the same time. Kensington palace have told is that the wedding is going to be in spring and we know that the dodgerss third child is due in april. Weddings, babies, lots of royal news coming. Weve just got these pictures in of Prince Charles down in pound brie in dorset. Good lord. Have you shampooed it . Congratulations, sir. Your very kind. We are thrilled. I hope they are very happy indeed, is all that i can say. Rather hard to hear from here but i think he said he was thrilled. Here we are at Kensington Palace. We know for sure that this will be their london based . Palace. We know for sure that this will be their londonbased . The statement says that when they marry they will carry on living in nottingham cottage, a smallish cottage that prince harry lives in. I would imagine that once they are married, if they start a family, they may well move to a bigger apartment at Kensington Palace or elsewhere because nottingham cottage is not big enough forfamily. Fascinating elements in all of this. The press are going to be poring over it. Meghan markle is american and has been married before. over it. Meghan markle is american and has been married before. I think it is not an issue. Our next king and queen have both been married and divorced. It is not that obou in royalfamilies as divorced. It is not that obou in royal families as it was. I suspect this will be a much happier and less conjugated arrangement than edward viii and wallis simpson. Less complicated. Theres an element of chance about their meeting but is it right that he had seen her in the show that she is most famous for . Were not sure about that. They were definitely introduced by mutual friends last summer. Harry was smitten it instantly and pursued her quite a lot. Its taken a year and a half to get to this point. The big question was whether she would be able to deal with the insane spotlight of being in the royal family. She has had time to think about it and we have the wonderful news that she is. It was a striking statement that he put out, very strong, this is a private citizen, a young woman, please do not pursue her. They were trying to have as normal a relationship as it is possible for two people in this circumstance to have. That Statement Last november a couple of months into their relationship was very strong and showed how serious he was about her and how he was incredibly worried that what had happened to his mother and previous girlfriends who had been hounded by the press would happen again to his new girlfriend. They both wanted, even though she is used to the red carpet asa though she is used to the red carpet as a very glamorous actress, though she is used to the red carpet as a very glamorous actress, the intense scrutiny of being a member of the royal family is different to Everything Else and he was absolutely clear that he wanted to give her time to think about that and keep the price of her back. Now, it isa and keep the price of her back. Now, it is a different story. She has been very active in the Charity World and has done a lot of work with the United Nations. She has talked about equal rights for women, empowering young women and girls and has been doing that for a long time. I wonder whether that gives as a sense of where she might go, once she is a member of the British Royal family. It was one of the key things that harry was attracted to. She very interested in humanitarian charity work. Is something that the royalfamily are charity work. Is something that the royal family are huge charity work. Is something that the royalfamily are huge on. Will she be involved in william and Kates Foundation or will she and harry start up their own one. It looks like she will give up her acting career. She is very well primed for that new role. A blustery Kensington Palace, the royal correspondent for the sunday times there. Lets talk to Jonathan Spratt spangler, a royal historian. Spangler, a royal historian. This came as a surprise to me this morning but it is not bad news. From an American Point of view, it unites our countries in more ways than already exist. I was talking to quite a few american tourists who as you could imagine are out here at Kensington Palace today, a popular tourist site all year round. Quite a few americans who were absolutely delighted when i said that she was originally from california, living in toronto but as a born and bred. But quite a lot of them had clearly never heard of her. As an american, are you able to give as a sense of how well known she is in the states . U nfortu nately, how well known she is in the states . Unfortunately, ive lived here for 20 years so im not the best candidate but she has been in significant films in hollywood but no blockbusters. She is not an immediately recognisable face. It plays to her ad vantage. She is successful, she is comfortable in front of the camera but not being incredibly famous is an advantage to her. Talking to our last correspondence from the sunday times, i dont know whether you could hear that, there is going to be, rightly or wrongly, some attention paid to the fact that she has been married before. Our last guest took the view that that just doesnt matter any more. This is 2017, its just not relevant. Doesnt matter any more. This is 2017, itsjust not relevant. Is that the point weve reached now . An utterly modern royal family, that the point weve reached now . An utterly modern royalfamily, is that the point weve reached now . An utterly modern royal family, is that appropriate . I think that is true and we have probably reached that point. There will be some people who disagree, who say as the future head of the church of england, there are things to be sorted out regarding the view of divorce, for most people it is not going to be an issue. There are other examples in the royalfamilies there are other examples in the royal families around europe, there are other examples in the royalfamilies around europe, in spain and norway in particular, they have future queen s current queen consort who have been divorced before. It doesnt seem to matter any more at now that people are more concerned whether they will survive and have a long future together. The way we view marriage as a society is a lot more adaptable and practical. And harry has always been the most modern and perhaps most playful of the current British Royal family. And hes a second son. Thats where my research comes in. Second sons have a lot more flexibility in what they can do throughout the history of monarchy. This is a chance for the royal family to play a different game to the role expected of the first born son. Interesting to hear your perspective on many levels there. Jonathan, thank you very much for joining there. Jonathan, thank you very much forjoining us. We hope there will bea forjoining us. We hope there will be a photocall, we are led to believe there will be one, at some point this afternoon. For now, back to the studio. Thank you very much. The time is 1216. Prince harry and his girlfriend american actress Meghan Markle have announced their engagement and will marry next spring. The government announces a plan to slow to reverse the slowdown in productivity. And tributes have been paid to the five people who died following the crash ofa people who died following the crash of a stolen car in leeds at the weekend. Some of the day s other news, authorities in bali have warned that a volcano is in imminent danger of a full scale eruption. It has been sending thousands of feet of smoke and ash into the air. Locals have been ordered to leave their homes. Andrew plant has the latest next. Balis most sacred mountain, an ancient volcano rumbling back to life with billows of black smoke. Mount agung has been sleeping for more than half a century, now awake and angry. Experts believe a major eruption could be about to happen. Translation the volcano has entered the magmatic eruption phase. There is now the possibility of a strong explosive eruption. Those living nearby were evacuated in september at the first signs of activity. Now the exclusion zone is a circle 12 miles wide. The thick ash rising thousands of metres means many flights to and from this popular Tourist Destination have now been grounded. All the flights were cancelled so were just now at the airport, we dont know what were doing and we are trying to find another flight. In bali, no one is taking any chances. More than 150,000 people are in temporary shelters. When the volcano last erupted in 1963, more than 1,000 people were killed. This time the indonesian government says it is much better prepared. High Tech Industries are to receive millions of pounds to promote jobs in sectors such as a robotics, Artificial Intelligence and medical research but some critics say more should be done to help traditional skills. The families of five people including three children who died when a stolen car crashed into a tree in leeds have paid tribute to their relatives. Police are still investigating the collision, which happened on saturday night. Andy moore reports. A vigil last night by the friends and family of those who died. Some struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of so many young people. The stolen renault clio crashed into a tree. The wreckage was soon removed, but people who saw it said it was simply a crumpled mess, almost unrecognisable as a car. Police are still trying to establish if all seven people involved were in that vehicle. All five who died have now been named locally. Brothers ellis and elliott were the youngest, aged just 12 and 15. Darnell harte, also 15, was the third child victim. Two adults were killed. Robbie meerun, who was 2a, and anthoney armour. He was 28, a father of two with a third child on the way. Of the two 15 year old boys arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, one is understood to have been taken to hospital with serious, but not life threatening injuries. Police have described the crash as a tragic incident. They say their investigations to find out exactly what happened are continuing. Andy moore, bbc news. Some of todays of developing stories. Theresa may has said the government will fund the forecasts of dealing with the aftermath of the suicide bombing the Manchester Arena which killed 22 people in may. It comes which killed 22 people in may. It co m es after which killed 22 people in may. It comes after the mayor of Greater Manchester police burn them said that the governments initial offer was £5 million to low and estimated that £28 million would be needed. The National Institute for health and care excellence is to recommend that the giant will mesh operations should be banned from treating organ prolapse in england. Draft guidelines say that the implants should only be used for research and not routine operations. A growing number of people have reported complications since having the procedure with many needing wheelchairs being unable to work, or to have sex. Councils in england generated 819 Million Pounds in profit from parking fees and fines during the last Financial Year thats ten percent higher than in the previous one. Figures obtained by the Rac Foundation showed four of the five councils with the largest surplus were in london. The local Government Association said income from parking went towards essential transport projects and repairs. A rising number of people are being taken to court and threatened with prison for not paying their council tax. More than four thousand eight hundred people were taken to court between 2016 and 2017 an increase of 11 per cent in four years. During that time at least 62 people were sent to prison. The local Government Association said it was essential to collect funds. There has been an increase in the demand for children in need of special schools. The government has said it is investing millions of pounds to tie try and ease the pressure. We have been given rare access to spend the day with the children at the royal school manchester. This is a special school for children with some of the highest needs. 200 Staff Support 48 children here, including chloe. Chloe has been here for 11 weeks, ever since her last School Placement broke down. It was so difficult. I was very sad. I isolated myself, and i didnt have a life. She would physically try and attack me, not to hurt me, butjust out of distress. The turnaround is above and beyond what i could have imagined. Saying mummy every day she only said mummy to me twice in six years, and now i get it every day. Ive got my little girl back. Shes so happy. But all of this costs, and there is a National Shortage of places. James survived birth at 25 weeks. Many more babies are surviving premature births, and conditions which previously would have killed. But many will have special needs because of that, and many willjoin a waiting list for a space. Weve got a seven year old child whos starting here next week, and theyre coming from hertfordshire. How many miles is that . A long, long way. Is that a Great Sadness to you, that these children cant find the right provision on their doorstep . Closer to home, yes. When evie arrived, she couldnt walk or communicate. She used to slam the trays, and wouldnt make eye contact. Today, evie loves music, and her clothes. And, it seems, cameras. And she loves hugs. She can make these choices now. The question is, where would evie be today if she had had this kind of specialist support right from the start . It costs a huge amount of money to have a child here. Like, maybe £250,000 a year. If we can commit to investing that money much earlier, in places like this, we can see children returning back to mainstream. And over the life of that child there will be a return on that investment, which will mean, when they become adults, they get employment, they go on to live independently, and that will cost society much less. Early intervention is everything. H for henry. Henry is doing so well he may be able to move onwards and upwards, to less specialist provision. The reality for most children, though, is that they will have to have struggled in other, less specialist placements before they can finally get to the place where they make progress. I now feel like shes got a future. She has a chance in life. Im very excited for what the future holds. Goodbye. We are going to let you go. See you soon. Goodbye, see you soon. Its 25 minutes past 12. A reminder of our top story today. The news that prince harry is to marry his girlfriend at the american actress Meghan Markle. We are told the wedding will happen in the spring of next year. The announcement was officially made by Clarence House earlier today. His Royal Highness the prince of wales is delighted to announce the engagement of prince harry to ms. Meghan markle. The wedding will take place in spring 2018. Further details about the wedding day will be announces in due course his Royal Highness and ms. Markle became engaged in london earlier this month. Prince harry has informed her majesty the queen and other close members of his family. Prince harry has also sought and received the blessing of ms markles parents the couple will live in nottingham cottage at Kensington Palace. There is going to be a photocall at Kensington Palace this afternoon. A number of tweets made the announcement this morning. This one includes a picture of the couple at the Invictus Games this summer. It was followed by a message from Buckingham Palace. The duke and duchess of cambridge shared their congratulations. Lets ta ke lets take a look at the weather. Some fairly blustery conditions to come for this afternoon. You can see a whole rash of showers, a bit of snow in the hills. Early morning rain clearing away from southern england. Coldest temperatures in the north, still relatively mild in the south with temperatures around 11 degrees. Things will change as we go on through the night. Continuing to feed showers in across North Western areas, again, a bit of snow on the hills of scotland. Temperatures just above freezing but it will still feel pretty chilly as we start tuesday morning. A number of showers affecting Western Areas with wins changing direction, coming down from a northerly direction, feeding showers to the eastern coasts of england. In london, this afternoon about 11 degrees. A 4 degrees drop for temperatures tomorrow. This is bbc newsroom live. Our latest headlines a royal engagement prince harry is to marry his girlfriend, the american actress Meghan Markle. Clarence house broke the news this morning. The queen and the duke of edinburgh say they are for the couple and wish them every happiness. Thrilled, thank you very much. For both of them, i hope theyll be very happy indeed, be very happy indeed, is all i can say. High Tech Industries are set to receive millions of pounds in extra funding to boost skills and create jobs. Tributes have been paid to the three children and two adults killed when a stolen car crashed in leeds at the weekend. Authorities in bali have warned that a volcano on the island is in imminent danger of a full scale eruption. Six former british soldiers imprisoned on weapons charges in india since 2013 are set to be released. Lets get more now on our top story prince harry and Meghan Markle in india since 2013 are to be released. They were arrested while working as guards on a ship to combat piracy in the indian ocean and were sentenced to five years in 2016. The former soldiers appealed, and a judge hasjust ruled that they be acquitted. Earlier two of the soldiers partners. Yvonne machugh the partner of one of the men acquitted gave her reaction as the news came i dont even know how i feel, ijust feel sheer relief. Finally, we are getting ourfamily feel sheer relief. Finally, we are getting our family back together. Finally, all the men are going to be home with their families. They have been acquitted of all charges, so they have done no wrong doing, and finally we have proven that. And we have proven it in court, and well get them home. I dont know. Im so happy, and just so relieved that everything that weve done hasnt beenin everything that weve done hasnt been in vain. And that we have got them home finally. There has been reaction from the Prime Ministers official spokesman to the news from india, saying the government from the Prime Minister down has been working hard for four years to support the men and their families, and we share their happiness at the courts decision to give a full acquittal to each of the men. We are now working with the indian authorities to discuss the next steps, we will continue to offer the men and their families concert or assistance for as long as they need it. Assistance for as long as they need it. Consular assistance. Lets get more now on our top story prince harry and Meghan Markle announcing their engagement. Jane hill is outside Kensington Palace for us now. Welcome back to Kensington Palace in central london. It is here in a house called nottingham cottage that prince harry lives. We believe that is where the newlyweds will eventually live next year after the wedding, possibly not for long, according to a lot of royal commentators i have been talking to this morning. They have said they might be looking for something a little larger, but this is the focus for now, and this the focus. Already in the space of a couple of hours, as you might imagine, for the world media. British, american, canadian, french and lots more besides. I think i am overhearing it is a subject of International Interest already. The announcement was made about two and a half hours ago officially, but there had been plenty of speculation in recent days and weeks, but what we know so far is that the wedding will be next spring. That is the most specific date that has been given, next spring. There is also of course a royal baby on the way next spring as well, so it is good to be a very busy season indeed. We are told from Clarence House that specific details about the wedding are yet to come. This afternoon we will see a full circle, and we are told there will be an interview later this afternoon. I have spoken to a lot of royal commentators in the last few hours. Earlier i discussed the significance of todays announcement with the royal editor of the sunday express, camilla tominey. She was down here early this morning because of all that speculation, and she give me some more details about what we think we know so far. There was a bit of a frenzy about thursday because some of us got a little tip off that something was planned, and you might have seen stories about downing street being primed, and then Kensington Palace said no, its wrong. But on the cards. We broke the story of their relationship last october, and another is that unprecedented statement that harry released basically saying, she is my girlfriend and please lay off, we dont want a media frenzy. And even back then, that suggested the relationship was pretty serious, for him to go to those lengths. And then another key sign was meghan doing that vanity fair article, a couple of months back, she was a cover girl, and she was asked about harry, and she said, we are in love and we will tell our story and you cause. Vanity fair. She also revealed that she had been dating harry for about six months before we broke the story. They have been together for about 18 months which i think is typical now for people in their 30s to get engaged. We will now have to speculate endlessly about where they will do it how they will do it, who will do it how they will do it, who will be bridesmaids and so on. I think we can probably guarantee one thing, prince harrys best man. You think thats a given . Having there isa think thats a given . Having there is a tendency for grooms to do joint things, but because they are so close, they have done a lot of great work this year as well. There is some goodwill behind prince harry already because people think what you see is what you get with him and he is reminiscent of his mother in how carries out royal engagement. Yet at the worlds most eligible bachelor status for some years, but to be honest, i think the has had a great year. The work he has done on Mental Health has been great, and i think its been given a lot of credit for being so candid on the 20th anniversary of his mothers death. I think people are willing prince harry to have the kind of happiness that william and kate have, and if he is good to have that with this american princess to be, thatis with this american princess to be, that is a great thing. You mentioned that is a great thing. You mentioned that we are standing at Kensington Palace. Is it a given that they will adhere . Is that established . He lives here at the moment and a little place called nottingham cottage which is quite small. Other people will think, i would mind linger even if it is quite small but it is quite small by royal family home standards and have been lots of reports, i wrote something saying they have moved things around a bit. Apartment one which i believe the duke and duchess of gloucesters, could be made available to harry and meghan. There isa available to harry and meghan. There is a sense that he will want to have as london based next to his brother and sister in law and her cousins eventually to mix, because they are very close. Andy kolle, this palace is synonymous with his mother, they we re is synonymous with his mother, they were brought up here, it is what they know and they have got lots of friends in this area. But equally being in the royal family means that you have the luxury of a country retreat as well, so again in due course, they will be selecting something, so that is also on the cards. Anything it is telling that meghan has given up a lot. She is a la who has been living in toronto, she has given up from an suits and removal vans were she has given up from an suits and removal vans were seen at she has given up from an suits and removal vans were seen at her place in toronto, so she is here for the duration. So much that off about in relation to her. You have hit on the key point already, the statement that he released last year, and that was key, wasnt it . So intensely private, wanting to keep the relationship private. Now that is not going to be possible for her. By definition she is in the spotlight. All the column inches, much as people love prince harry, all the column inches for the coming weeks will be about her, because british people and people overseas will want to know, who is this woman . If it ever watched suits, they will say i dont know anything about her, lets find out more. If theyve never watched suits. Thats a lot of pressure for her. She is 36 and she has not experienced British Press tabloid intrusion. Having said that, it is not the 1980s any more. I think that the royal press pack, as ican think that the royal press pack, as i can say is i am one of them, treaty whirls the good degree of respect these days. We are not following them around in private holidays, there was the body in botswa na holidays, there was the body in botswana over the summer popping out ofa botswana over the summer popping out of a tent trying to pap them. Times have moved on, but equally think it is to meghans credit that she has handled herself so well so far. She was a big presence on social media, and wanted released that seaman, the decision was made to cut that out because you do not want to be accused of invading your own privacy. She did the vanity fair interview but she had not done much more publicity herself. Because of her status in the la and in canada, there is a sense, and i think prince harry has commented on this, that his previous relationships have not gone to plan because the girlfriends have not wanted this. They have not wa nted have not wanted this. They have not wanted all of us poring over every minute detail. They are both grown ups and meghan has seemingly beenin grown ups and meghan has seemingly been in control of her own image and career, and that moving forward. They will have help here behind palace gates, there is a press officer and a whole media operation to support them. And equally, the movement of family territory fairly quickly, that is quite sacrosanct. You will have noticed there are not loads of photographs of the school run that kate does with prince george. Those days are sort of over. There is intense interest of course, we we re there is intense interest of course, we were all over it yesterday, and i am part of that but i make no apology. We all are, i think i was meaning unscrupulous paparazzi who are freelance, get paid a lot of money for a stolen shot. Whether there is that risk. The comparison is kate. At the moment it is a bit ofa is kate. At the moment it is a bit of a feeding frenzy, everyone is excited Everyone Wants to hear more for meghan directly, because she has been seen and not heard very much. That will continue, it is a massive story today and it will be for the rest of the week, but then we will settle into announcements and official details, caterers florists and business knows what else, we will get into all that. That it is a big responsibility, she will share the limelight with the duchess of cambridge. Remember the relationship between Princess Diana and sarah ferguson, they became a bit of a dual and could cope with it together. A bit of a duo. Here at Kensington Palace we wait for more details this afternoon. We are told there will be a full circle and perhaps an interview as well. All we know so far as the wedding will be in spring 2018, that is what we have been told, and we have been told to await further details about the wedding. That is it for now. As soon as we get more, we will be back with you. Back now to annita in the newsroom. Thank you, jane. Lots of reaction to the announcement naturally. The labour leader Jeremy Corbyn spoke about the engagements during a speech in glasgow. First of all, my congratulations to harry and meghan. I wish them well, i hope they have a great time and great fun together. Having met harry a few times, im sure theyre going to have a great deal of fun together. What i would also 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, and helped to raise the consciousness surrounding Mental Health. So i wish them well, and thank him for what he has done on Mental Health and hope they have a great life together. We are nowjoined by an American Woman who married into british aristocracy. Good to have you with us. When you were growing up in illinois, had you ever in your life come into contact with the british aristocracy before you met your husband to be. Growing up in america, in particular the view midwest, the only British Royalty that really ever heard about was consistent i am. She was everywhere. That is always read and heard about. So for me, i did not know any other pa rt so for me, i did not know any other part of aristocracy existed beyond the royal family. Until, obviously, i meant my husband. Yes, the viscount who is there to the title. The earl of sandwich. Heir to the title. What did you to learn when you joined the aristocracy . My first lesson was to learn that it is called vi count not vis count. I did not understand that because it is spelt the same as discount. There is a lot of manners around it that you need to learn, and the biggest thing that i remember was having to set a table, which i know sounds bizarre, but all the fox and knives and spoons. In america, youre given a fork and occasionally a knife, to quickly cut your meal, but when you put the fork back on your right hand and eat it that way. So the whole eating fork left hand and knife in your right hand, i had to have my husband show me how to set a table. Just chatting earlier, you said there was a lot of learning about history, and you learned to be respectful of that history, but your inherent personality does not change as you adopt this new lifestyle. Exactly. And i think it is that, it is being respectful of the history that i have married into, and the history that i have married into and meghan is marrying into is older than america itself, much older, and to us as americans, it is fascinating seeing things dating back to the shifting hundreds and 16005, back to the shifting hundreds and 1600s, and you think that you want to learn so much. At the same time, you dont want to lose who you are asa you dont want to lose who you are as a person, and in particular being an american. So i will always have the nasal american accent but it is something i am incredibly proud of because i am american. And how do you think that Meghan Markle will cope with this transition . you think that Meghan Markle will cope with this transition . I think meghan wilco put it brilliantly because in america, from the day you are born, youre told you can be anything you want to be and do whatever wa nt to anything you want to be and do whatever want to do. Meghan will cope with it. She is marrying the quy cope with it. She is marrying the guy that she loves, not the title, so she isjust guy that she loves, not the title, so she is just thinking, this guy that she loves, not the title, so she isjust thinking, this is guy that she loves, not the title, so she is just thinking, this is the quy so she is just thinking, this is the guy that i love and i were to start my life with him and spend the rest of my life with him, but i will stick to who i am as a person, and that real optimistic american way that real optimistic american way that you can be anything you want to be. And teasing she will bring a freshness, and energy to the royal family . Do you think . freshness, and energy to the royal family . Do you think . I am sure i am biased because i am american, but when people realise im not english, they say it is such a breath of fresh air to have an american, you quys fresh air to have an american, you guys are always happy and upbeat and optimistic. So i think she will bring a real vitality to this royal family. It is to have your take on this news, viscountess hinchingbrooke, thank you very much. The headlines on bbc newsroom live prince harry and his girlfriend, the american actress Meghan Markle, have announced their engagement. The couple are to marry next spring. The government launches a plan to reverse the slowdown in britains productivity and growth. Tributes have been paid to the three children and two adults who died when a stolen car hit a tree in leeds over the weekend. There are fears children with special needs are being let down by the education system. An exclusive investigation by the bbc has found a 57 increase in the number of children being educated at home. Some families believe Home Education is their only option. In the first of a series of special reports, our education editor branwenjeffreys looks at the challenges faced by some of the children. Emily has been diagnosed with autism and adhd. School felt noisy and overwhelming. A bit stressful because i dont really like a lot of loud noises because itsjust makes me really upset, and i want to learn things. Things that im interested in. But it is like, i cant because id how to learn, and they dont tell me how. Emily would get angry and lash out. Now she is on medication at home. Her mum lorna decided to home educate after trying three schools. I couldnt cope with her going to school and then coming back with her so stressed out, so angry at me, and then not wanting to go to school the next day. The meltdowns were horrendous, and i cant pick her up and put her in the carand cant pick her up and put her in the car and physically take her to school. Lorna isnt the only parents to reach this decision. A growing number of families with children with special needs are deciding to home educate. The fear is that they are doing that because they feel let down by the school system. Between 2013 and 2017, there was a 57 increase in children with special needs being home educated, and that is just needs being home educated, and that isjust children who needs being home educated, and that is just children who have a statement or equivalent in england or wales and Northern Ireland. Its a 64bit or wales and Northern Ireland. Its a 64 bit sending truce if you just look at england. Scotland has a different system, making comparisons difficult. I think before, different system, making comparisons difficult. Ithink before, people we re difficult. Ithink before, people were genuinely making a choice because that was the right thing for them, and now too many families who think they do not have any other option, and so they are having to resort to education. That cant be right. Emily is learning differently with some extra classes. She is happier out of school, but misses herfriends. In happier out of school, but misses her friends. In england, happier out of school, but misses herfriends. In england, the government says more special education places are being created, and it is putting money into the system to make it work better. Lake victoria, the source of the river nile, is africas largest fresh water lake. But Scientists Say the lake is dying. Overfishing and pollution have severely damaged fish stocks, threatening the livelihoods of millions of fishermen. The lake is surrounded by three countries kenya, tanzania and uganda from where the bbcs komla dumor award winner amina yuguda reports. For centuries, Lake Victoria has provided nourishment for its people. This man has fished here for ten years, but the catch is now paltry. He shows me what he caught today. The catch of the fish is very little. Life is very hard. As far as todays catch is concerned, it is little, it is about ten kilograms when, back in the day, we used to catch about 100 to 500 kilograms. Abundant fish variety were once here. Fishermen have to go farther and farther to find any at all. Kwaesi is one of hundreds of fishermen in this village and, for him and others here, the smaller catch means they survive day by day, hand to mouth. Lake victoria was called the lake of gods, and the people believed its resources were endless. At the height of the boom, fishermen in Lake Victoria caught more than 36,000 tonnes. Last year, it was less than half that, atjust over 17,000. Fishing is still a lifeline for uganda. At this fish market, the countrys largest, most of the nile perch are sent abroad. But the waters on this bay look odd. Algae has turned green, like pea soup. Bloom levels are 20 times higher than is safe for swimming or drinking. Scientists search for clues, testing the water every month. These blooms can be toxic and reduces the amount of oxygen forfish. How desperate is the situation . We continue to pollute the lake through untreated waste water, for example, fertiliser being washed off from agricultural enterprises. Then the other thing is, of course, the destruction of part of Lake Victorias ecosystem, like the wetlands. The flower business is an alternative to fishing for some. Uganda has perfect weather for roses. Large greenhouses dot the lakes shores. But it is adding to the pollution . Right here, the water is a bit dark. In the open water, where we have been passing, is a bit blue. The fishermen trying to protect the wetlands take us to see what they say is pollution entering the lake. The pesticides can be coming back and turning back to the lake, and all of the communities surrounding this bay. The ugandan government is trying to save the lake. A special Task Force Raids the villages to destroy illegal boats and nets. The military is coming in today to control Illegal Fishing on the lake, looking at Illegal Fishing methods on the water. These measures are yet to help fishermen like this man. Today he has made just £2 to support his family. They only live on my power. If i dont go on the lake, i dont eat. I am scared of the situation in the future. Their songs reminisce about the lates past bounties, but more has to be done to stem its decline or future generations will only hear tales of the once plentiful lake of the gods. In a moment, the bbc news at 1 00, but first, the weather. For many others, and improving weather picture for the rest of today. In the Early Morning cloud and rain in england and wales tends to clear out of the way, with a few showers coming across North Western areas. Quite a bit of cloud around, but some beautiful scenes in the peak district. We have had a lot of cloud to start the day, this weather front moving southwards, bringing with it the rain, but that tends to clear out of the way. Blustery showers falling into North Western areas, and those showers will continue to rattle and through this evening and the first part of the night as well. Some of these showers will have some winter in this in them, particularly over the hills and scotland, and it will feel cold, with gusts around 30 miles an hour more or less nationwide. Possibly reaching gale force in places. Cloud heading into the evening, some thicker cloud working in possibly, and small chance of a more general area of rain in the south west. But some uncertainty with that. Looking at the focus through the rest of the night, the blustery winds should keep temperatures for many of us just above freezing, but it will be a cold night. A few places in northern scotland may dip below freezing, and the risk of some icy stretches to take is on tuesday. The big weather picture for the week ahead, this big ridge of High Pressure sitting across parts of the mid atlantic and pressure sitting across parts of the mid atla ntic and towards pressure sitting across parts of the mid atlantic and towards agreement, and what that does is stop smell that want again from reaching our shores, and instead northerly winds, and through this week pierre will get colder day by day. That is the temperature curve for sheffield, just as an example, all week, temperatures will be below average. Around three celsius on thursday, the height of the cold if you like. Tuesday, many of us will have a fine day with plenty of sunshine that the number of showers around, again affecting North Western areas. But with the wind coming from the north, a greater number of showers across the simplest of england and scotland. A cold day, temperatures four 27 celsius, but with more sunshine. For 27. Temperatures continue to fall on wednesday, high is between three and seven. A royal engagement is announced prince harry is to marry american actress meghan markel. Here at Kensington Palace. We are waiting for a photocall with happy couple a little later this afternoon. In a statement Buckingham Palace said the queen and duke of edinburgh were delighted at the news. Theyve been together forjust over a year after meeting in london in the summer of 2016. Congratulations, sir, what do you think . We are thrilled, thank you very much, but both of them, i hope they will be very happy indeed is all i