After Monday's appearance, we can expect an engagement announcement very soon

Charlie Proctor explains why we can expect an announcement of an engagement between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to be made within the next couple of weeks.

Around this time last year, the British media first learned about the news that Prince Harry was in a relationship with American actress, Meghan Markle. Now, fast forward 11 months and the pair are on the verge of getting engaged, although I think they have probably reached this stage already.

As far as I am now concerned, the signs are all there. However, it was on Monday afternoon when I finally became convinced that Harry and Meghan are engaged after they attended a wheelchair tennis match hand-in-hand with each other.

If I am correct, and I am probably not, the Invictus Games was always going to be the event where Prince Harry allowed himself to be seen in public with Meghan. However, he had to do so in a way which wouldn’t take the media focus or momentum away from the athletes.

If the couple is indeed already engaged, I fully expect Kensington Palace to make the announcement at some point in the days that follow the Closing Ceremony of the Invictus Games.

Below, I will briefly go through my checklist explaining why I think wedding bells will soon be ringing in Westminster Abbey.

Their appearance at the Invictus Games

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle didn’t just attend the Invictus Games, but they attended together. The couple were even photographed to be holding hands as they arrived at an event on Monday, unflustered by the world’s media snapping countless photos. It has taken 18 months for Prince Harry to be pictured with his girlfriend in public, and that is an important step. Notification of an engagement without yet being seen together in public would not go down well with the public.

Meghan’s security arrangement

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Meghan Markle has a group of security guards present as she goes about her business at the Invictus Games in Toronto. However, rather more surprising is the fact that Meghan has been assigned a Royal Protection Officer, even at events where she is not with Prince Harry. Royal Protection Officers are only ever assigned to protect members of The Royal Family, the Prime Minister or dignitaries deemed at risk. As one source told Royal Central, the deployment of the officer ‘can only mean one thing.’

She will fit into royal life well

In the past, Prince Harry has said that he wants to be in a relationship with somebody who can cope with his strange life of royal duties. If the past 18 months have taught us anything, it is that Harry and Meghan have had quite a hectic schedule. During their first official appearance together as a couple, Meghan looked unflappable and natural even with the pressures that had clearly been mounted upon her. This is what The Royal Family and Prince Harry need – somebody cool under pressure and public scrutiny.

If the announcement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement comes before the end of October, I will be vindicated. If not I will bury my head in the sand and will never mention this article again!