Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Screengrab © BBC NewsMedia speculation has been running wild for weeks, yet the engagement announcement of Prince Harry and American actress, Meghan Markle, still managed to cause something of a surprise.
Today’s confirmation by Clarence House of the impending marriage between the couple ended a frenzied period of guessing games, then opened up a whole set of new ones about their wedding plans next spring.
With the news breaking from the Royal Family, we went out into the streets of Liverpool to gauge reaction to their decision to get hitched.
Most people gave a positive response, including 76-year-old Robert Hill of South Liverpool, who told JMU Journalism: “Yes I think it is good news. Good luck to the lad – he’s only young, let him get on with it.”
Tracy Foster was among those who welcomed the outcome, especially as there appeared to be obstacles in their path to the altar. The 46-year-old Wirral resident said: “I think it’s good news because when he first got with her people were saying ‘oh no, they’ll never be able to get married because she’s a divorcee’, but what difference does that make?”
YouTube: JMU Journalism TV
The revelation that Britain’s most eligible bachelor is no longer on the market was also a source of regret. German visitor, Leah Peters, 23, said: “I think it’s great for them, but I’ve got some friends who are jealous.”
Others were distinctly underwhelmed upon being told about the happy couple’s special day, including Liverpudlian Adam Gilduff, 25, who said: “I’m indifferent to the whole situation. I don’t really believe in marriage, but if he’s happy then good for him.”
Scroll through the edited reactions below to read more of the responses from our street survey.
Reporting by: Jade Culver; Ed Baldwin; James Farrington; Amy Harding; Stephanie Kettle; Suzy Sankey; Tom Swift; Daisy Scott; Matty Davies; Jo Cunliffe; Jordan Reais & Jasper Hunt.
Barbra Ayres, 75, Barnsley
“I think it’s marvellous, me.”
Rihanna Brown, 24, Liverpool
“I feel cracking for him. I’m glad he’s finally found love.”
Bill Taccagmi, 75, Liverpool
“I think it’s great. I’m really happy that we will have a royal wedding in the spring that should generate some money for the country.”
Amy Sinclair, 69, Warrington
“It’s very nice, I’m happy for him if that’s what he wants. It’s very good if he’s found the one that he wants to be with, then good for them.”
Linda Atherton, 58, Kirkby
“He’s settling down and being happy now. When I heard it this morning I thought ‘finally, he’s settling down’. I think it’ll last, she’s given everything up, hasn’t she, all her films and everything? Yes, I think she’s the one.”
Dom Sutherman, 24, Wavertree
“I think it’s alright. I can’t say I’m too fussed but it’s good that he can start creating a better image for himself rather than just a lad. She’s alright that Meghan, isn’t she?”
Bridget Hitchen, 21, Northwich
“I’m not that excited. I’m hoping there is going to be a holiday, but it makes no odds because he isn’t going to be king.”
Helen Dangerfield, 58, West Kirby
“I think it is good news, of course. They deserve to be happy and that’s not just because they are royal. They seem happy enough.”
Tara Maxwell, 34, Wirral
“I think it’s really positive, it’s good that the Royal Family is showing togetherness with other ethnicities. I like Meghan Markle – I think she is great.”
Kieran Ashton-Jones, 22, Bangor
“I am happy that Prince Harry has met his one true love. I can’t wait for the royal wedding.”
Ruth Lemin, 21, Rhyl
“I’m so excited because it means another royal wedding.”
Ellie Burges, 21, Skelmersdale
“Everyone loves Prince Harry, don’t they? I’m dead happy for them.”
Rebecca Hartley, 20, Manchester
“Any wedding is a cause to celebrate A royal wedding is just a massive public affair to remind people of tradition and bring in money. It is not going to actually change much for people though.”
Janet Turner, 68, Liverpool
“I think it’ll be really good. Me and my friends will definitely watch it if it’s going to be on TV. I doubt it will be as good as Will and Kate’s, but I’m sure everyone else in the world will be just as excited as then.”
Matthew Moon, 31, Liverpool
“I do not really get royal weddings. It makes no difference to me – the world doesn’t need to know when I get married, do they? What they do will not make a difference to Liverpool or me.”