How 6 royal couples announced their engagements to the world

Back in September I remember my editor asked us to do a feature on what Meghan Markle could possibly wear if she and Prince Harry ever got engaged. I was pretty sceptical, but it turns out my seemingly clairvoyant boss was right on the money because as of yesterday morning, a statement announcing the couple’s engagement was released.

According to Channel24, both Kensington Palace and Clarence House revealed that the couple are set to wed in Spring 2018. And according to additional reports on Refinery29, the lovebirds will be living in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace.

Read more: What Meghan Markle could possibly wear to her (rumoured) royal wedding to Prince Harry

So while we’re counting down the days until the next big royal wedding, we’ve decided to take a look back to see how some of our (other) favourite royal couples have announced  their nuptials. 

Prince William and Kate Middleton, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

The golden couple’s nuptials, according to The Telegraph was also revealed by Clarence House, followed by a joint and lengthy televised interview in which the couple gave us an intimate glimpse into their personal lives. 

The Duke proposed using the gorgeous sapphire ring of his late mother, Princess Diana during a romantic trip to Kenya. Seven years after their announcement, the couple is still happily wed with two children and a third on the way.

Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock

After four years of dating, his Royal Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco announced his engagement to the former South African Olympic swimmer on Wednesday, June 23 2010, shedding his notorious playboy image.

However, unlike the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry and Meghan, the couple did not have a public interview. Instead, the Monaco Palace released a statement and photos of the prince with his then-fiancée, Charlene Wittstock.

Charlene became the first crown princess since the 1982 death of Prince Albert’s mother, Princess Grace of Monaco. 

King Felipe VI and Letizia Rocasolano 

Before ascending the throne as King of Spain in 2014, the then-Prince's bachelor years were a source of interest to the Spanish press for many years. He announced his engagement on 6 November 2003 to Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, an award-winning television journalist, formerly with CNN, at the Zarzuela Palace. 

After King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia formally asked Letizia’s parents for her hand in marriage, the couple took a stroll around the palace gardens and then proceeded to talk to the press.

During their public appearance and in the video below, Letizia explained her ring was made of white gold and featured a modern design, while the prince went on to say his future wife's eloquence, intelligence, courage and spirit of responsibility in her work is what impressed him. 

The couple's announcement followed an engagement party three days later, which took place at the royal residence on the outskirts of Madrid.

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson

News of the Duke of York's engagement to the British writer and television personality happened after a yearlong relationship in March 1986. The release of the photographs were followed by an interview with ABC's 20/20.

When the interviewer asked them what they liked about each other, Sarah quickly responded with "wit", with Andrew adding "the red hair". The interview was hilariously lighthearted, complete with giggles and charm. Watch it here. 

Read more: Four most expensive weddings EVER! See who made the list

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema

As he opened the seventh session of parliament on Friday, 20 May 2011, the king of Bhutan announced his engagement, saying:

"As King, it is now time for me to marry. After much thought I have decided that the wedding shall be later this year."

Describing Jetsun Pema, he added: 

"Now, many will have their own idea of what a Queen should be like – that she should be uniquely beautiful, intelligent and graceful. I think with experience and time, one can grow into a dynamic person in any walk of life with the right effort.

"For the Queen, what is most important is that at all times, as an individual she must be a good human being, and as Queen, she must be unwavering in her commitment to serve the People and Country.

"As my queen, I have found such a person and her name is Jetsun Pema. While she is young, she is warm and kind in heart and character. These qualities together with the wisdom that will come with age and experience will make her a great servant to the nation."

Dubbed the "Kate Middleton of the Himalayas", the 26-year-old is the youngest queen in the world. Many say that the King's love for her was evident when he renounced his right to take multiple wives and vowed that she was the only woman he would ever marry.

Prince Carl Philip and Sofia Kristina Hellqvist

The only son of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, Prince Carl Philip of Sweden announced his engagement to Sofia Hellqvist in June 2014.

Sofia Hellqvist, a former glamour model, stepped out into the public eye in a scarlet dress at Drottningholm Palace, walking hand-in-hand with Prince Carl as they headed to a press conference in the Palace's garden and shared their first public kiss.

"I have the incredible honour of being engaged to this fantastic girl," an excited Carl told the press.

Images: Getty