PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle already have a wedding date in mind, insiders have claimed following reports the American actress met with Queen.
It comes amid speculation a royal announcement of Harry’s engagement to the Suits star is imminent.It is understood Miss Markle has already met Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall, both of whom are said to have been impressed with the American actress, and the Queen who is required to give her permission for a royal wedding.
According to an insider the ginger royal and Miss Markle already have a date in mind with the pair considering a summer wedding.
The source told Vanity Fair: “William and Kate are expecting their third baby mid April, and Harry won’t want to overshadow the birth of another prince or princess, and, of course, the Duchess will need some time to recover before she is at such a high-profile event.
“The most likely date is early summer 2018, which neatly ties in with Harry and Meghan’s second anniversary.“
Another source also revealed the couple are likely to be married at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in a private ceremony.
The news comes after reports emerged that Miss Markle visited the Queen last week to have tea.
The American actress was reportedly transported to Buckingham Palace in a Ford Galaxy with blacked out windows, which is unusual for royal visitors to the residence.
Insiders earlier claimed Miss Markle and Prince Harry were “as good as engaged” and have discussed their marriage plans openly with family and friends.
The royal source said: “While Meghan may not be wearing a ring or a formal engagement announced, it's fair to say they're as good as engaged now.
“They've spoken about their marriage plans openly with each other and friends and family around them are pretty much thinking about wedding attire already.”
Miss Markle has also publicly declared her love for her royal boyfriend in an interview following their first official appearance as a couple.
She said: “We’re a couple, we’re in love.”
A source close to the prince also revealed that Prince Harry does not want a wedding with “pomp and pageantry”.
Unlike the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the ginger royal reportedly plans to avoid a public wedding at Westminster Abbey.
The insider said: "Pomp and pageantry is the last thing he would want.
"I can see him wanting to get married at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
“It would stop it from turning into a total media circus and give the day a sense of privacy that Harry so badly craves."
When questioned about Miss Markle’s meeting with the Queen, a palace spokesman said: “We have refrained from commenting on all previous stories about Prince Harry introducing Meghan Markle to members of the Royal Family and therefore we have no comment.”