The royal family's thrilled with Prince Harry's engagement to American actress Meghan Markle.

The royal couple announced their engagement overnight local time, 16 months after they started dating. 

The Sun's former royal editor Duncan Larcombe told Mike Hosking the match is exactly what they were hoping for.

"After what happened with Prince Charles and Lady Diana all those years ago, it was absolutely essential that both her sons married for the right reason, and that reason being because they're head over heels in love."

READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce engagement

The two proved their love in an interview with the BBC, with Markle revealing she said 'yes' immediately to Prince Harry as he got down on one knee to propose.

Prince Harry popped the question while the couple were having a 'cosy night' in Nottingham Cottage, the Prince's home at Kensington Palace, roasting chicken.

Markle revealed the moment was "so sweet and natural and very romantic" and Prince Harry couldn't finish his sentence before she said yes.

READ MORE: Markle like no other princess

The couple revealed that they first met when they were set up by a female friend.

"It was definitely a set up - it was a blind date," Markle said.

After the couple had met for their first date they organised to see each other the following day, and Harry said he knew Markle was "the one" immediately.

"When did I know she was the one? Very first time we met," the prince said.

Four weeks after they met, Harry persuaded Markle to join him on a five-day break in Botswana.

"We camped out with each other under the stars, we spent - she came and joined me for five days out there, which was absolutely fantastic," he said.

LISTEN ABOVE AS DUNCAN LARCOMBE TALKS WITH MIKE HOSKING