Prince Harry and his girlfriend Meghan Markle are to ask the Archbishop of Canterbury for his blessing for a church wedding

Prince Harry and his actress girlfriend Meghan Markle are to ask the Archbishop of Canterbury for his blessing for a church wedding.

And it is understood that Archbishop Justin Welby has 'no objections', meaning a royal wedding could take place at Westminster Abbey in a matter of months.

But the Prince would still require permission from the Queen and it is believed the Archbishop would need to provide a special licence for any potential nuptials.

The Daily Express reports the Archbishop is to be asked to give his blessing for a church wedding between the fifth in line to the throne and the US divorcee 'imminently'.

The Suits actress was previously married to US film and TV producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2013 and it was initially thought religious doctrine would prevent the young couple from marrying in an Anglican church.

But the couple will be able to follow in the footsteps of the Queen and Prince Philip after the church confirmed the American actress's former marriage would not bar her from marrying there.

A spokesman for Westminster Abbey said previously: 'The Abbey follows the General Synod Ruling of 2002. Since then it has been possible for divorced people to be married in the Church of England.'

He added Ms Markle’s Jewish background would ‘not prevent an interfaith’ marriage at the abbey.

Yesterday MailOnline reported that the actress, 36, is in the UK after she was photographed shopping in the capital as she prepares to spend her first Christmas with the prince.

Meghan's arrival in the UK comes as speculation mounts over an imminent engagement between Meghan and Harry.

It is understood that Archbishop Justin Welby is to be asked to give his blessing for a church wedding between the fifth in line to the throne and the US divorcee 'imminently'

In fact, some Royal watchers believe the Meghan and Harry, who confirmed their long-distance relationship a year ago, are already secretly engaged - and wedding bells are just around the corner.

It has been rumoured that 36-year-old Meghan is in London making final preparations for her permanent move across the Atlantic to set up home with Harry, 33, along with her beloved dogs, labrador/shepherd mix Bogart and 17lb beagle Guy.

The American actress has just finished filming her seventh and final season of the US legal drama Suits, in which she stars as lawyer Rachel Zane, in Toronto. Meghan's body double sparked mass excitement juts days ago when she posted a cryptic Instagram post.

A spokesman previously said Ms Markle’s Jewish background would ‘not prevent an interfaith’ marriage at the abbey

Nicky Bursic - who has been Meghan's stand-in on Suits for two years - posted a goodbye and congratulations message to the star on the social network that fans have taken of proof that both Meghan has quit Suits and that she is engaged to the royal.

'It's been an absolute pleasure and honour being your 'STAND-IN' for the last 2 seasons,' Nicky wrote. Though I've been on @suits_usa for 6 years, the latter 2 has been my most memorable. Wishing you all the happiness in the world Bella. She added a love heart emoji and one of a champagne glass toast alongside some highly revealing hashtags. '#youdeserveitall #loveher' she completed the post with.

The couple gave the biggest hint yet that an engagement announcement is imminent when they made their first official public appearance together at the Invictus Games in Toronto at the end of September. The pair put on a loved-up display, flirting and holding hands as they watched wheelchair tennis.

Within hours of the couple stepping out together bookies Ladbrokes suspended betting on an imminent announcement of an engagement.

MailOnline contacted the Archbishop and Prince Harry's representatives.