By Bill Smith

McClatchy News Service

LONDON — Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, said they were “delighted” for their grandson, Prince Harry, and U.S. actress Meghan Markle who announced their engagement on Monday.

“The queen and the Duke of Edinburgh (Philip) are delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness,” they said in a statement.

The wedding plan was announced by his father, Prince Charles, who said that Harry, 33, and Markle, 36, had got engaged in London earlier this month.

“The wedding will take place in spring 2018,” Charles said in a statement from his office, Clarence House.

He said the couple planned a photo call in London on Monday afternoon and that the BBC would air an interview with them on Monday night.

Markle is best known for her role in the U.S. legal drama “Suits.” She spoke publicly for the first time about their relationship in September, telling “Vanity Fair” magazine that they met in London through friends in July 2016.

The two have faced intense media scrutiny, prompting Harry last year to speak out against the “wave of abuse and harassment” against his girlfriend.

British media have published dozens of stories about Markle since rumors began circulating her relationship with Harry.

Harry’s office said last November that he was concerned about coverage including “the smear on the front page of a (British) national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments.”

On Monday, Harry’s older brother, Prince William, and his wife Kate said they were “very excited for Harry and Meghan.”

“It has been wonderful getting to know Meghan and to see how happy she and Harry are together,” William and Kate said via Twitter.

Harry and Meghan plan to live in Nottingham Cottage, part of the Kensington Palace estate in central London, where William, Kate and their two children live, Charles said.

British Prime Minister Theresa May also sent her “very warmest congratulations” to the couple.

“This is a time of huge celebration for two people in love and, on behalf of myself, the government and the country, I wish them great happiness for the future,” May said on Twitter.

Markle’s parents, Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland, said they were “incredibly happy” for the couple.

“Our daughter has always been a kind and loving person,” they said in a statement via Clarence House.

“To see her union with Harry, who shares the same qualities, is a source of great joy for us as parents.

“We wish them a lifetime of happiness and are very excited for their future together.”