Prince Harry reveals that Kate has been a 'fantastic support' to Meghan Markle

Kate Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge, has been a 'fantastic' support to royal bride-to-be Meghan Markle, a very happy and excited Prince Harry has revealed.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced the news of their engagement to the world yesterday, with an official statement from Clarence House on behalf of Prince Charles, followed by the couple's first ever photocall together in the grounds of their home, Kensington Palace.

After the official photos, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sat down for their first ever interview as a couple. During the interview, conducted by the BBC's Mishal Husain, Harry and Meghan spoke hopefully and excitedly of their plans for a future together, including lots of hard work, a focus on making positive changes in the Commonwealth, and - hopefully - a family.

During the interview Prince Harry and Meghan also revealed how Prince William and Kate had been a 'fantastic support' for Meghan throughout the process of welcoming her into the royal family and introducing her to their way of life.

The pair confirmed that the Duke and Duchess had met Meghan fairly early on in the couple's relationship as they had been 'longing' to meet the woman making Harry so happy.

'William was longing to meet her, and so was Catherine,' Harry confessed.

As the couples are now neighbours, Harry revealed that he managed to get quite a few meetings between Meghan and his brother and Kate before the engagement.

'Catherine has been absolutely amazing' Harry admitted, referring to Kate's support for Meghan as the frenzy around the couple's relationship grew and Meghan had to begin to adjust to being in the spotlight of one of the world's most famous families.

'She's been wonderful,' Meghan gushed about her future sister-in-law.

Following the engagement announcement, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared their reaction to the news saying they were 'very excited' about the wedding and had found it 'wonderful getting to know Meghan.'

'His family has been so welcoming,' Meghan Markle said in the televised interview, her hands clasped firmly around her future husband's.

'The family has been great…helping me feel a part of not just the institution but also part of the family, which is really important and really special.'

'The whole family have come together and been a huge amount of support' Harry added.