The extended family of Meghan Markle have begun congratulating the 36-year-old, after waking up to the news of her engagement to Prince Harry.
Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com from her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Roslyn Markle, the mother of Meghan’s half-siblings, said: ‘That’s absolutely wonderful news.
‘I’m really happy for them and I hope they’ll be happy together and have a great life.’ Of the spring wedding date, Roslyn added: ‘That will be so nice.’
Meghan and Harry, 33, announced their engagement this morning, via a statement from Kensington Palace.
Royal Engagement: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle finally announced their engagement after weeks of fevered speculation on Monday. The royal couple made their first public appearance hours after breaking the news in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace
Princess wave: Harry and Meghan were beaming during their first, but brief, public appearance. The wedding is expected to take place in spring 2018, with May considered the likeliest date for the nuptials
And on Monday, the newly-engaged couple made their first official appearance on British TV to talk about their whirlwind 16-month relationship.
Roslyn, 72, was married to Meghan’s father Thomas Markle between 1968 and 1976 and is the mother of his two eldest children: Samantha Grant, 53, and Thomas Markle Jr, 51.
Asked how she thinks Meghan will cope with the transition from actress to princess, Roslyn said: ‘Meghan is very well educated.
‘She’s worked in a professional, public life forever. She’s been in the TV industry forever. She’s very well educated and she’s had a lot of exposure to the public.
‘She’s going to be just fine.’
Roslyn’s comments come in the wake of an official statement from Meghan’s parents released this morning by Kensington Palace.
In the message, Markle Sr, 73, and Doria Ragland, 61, 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 great joy for both parents.
Rosyln Markle (left), 72, the first wife of Thomas Markle (pictured with Meghan right) commented on the couple’s big news, and said she is ‘really happy for them’
Roslyn was married to Thomas Markle (pictured) between 1968 and 1976 and is the mother of his two eldest children Samantha Grant, 53, and Thomas Markle Jr, 51
‘We wish them a lifetime of happiness and are very excited for their future.’
Harry’s own family have also spoken of their delight at the news of the engagement, with Prince Charles the first to congratulate his youngest son via a message issued by Clarence House.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also congratulated the happy couple, releasing a short official statement that read:
‘We are very excited for Harry and Meghan. It has been wonderful getting to know Meghan and to see how happy she and Harry are together.’
The wedding is expected to take place in spring 2018, with May considered the likeliest date for the nuptials.