Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the American actress, have been photographed for the first time since their engagement was announced.

The couple posed hand-in-hand for the world's media in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace on Monday afternoon.

Stepping out with his bride-to-be at the open-air photocall, Prince Harry said he was "thrilled".

Their long-anticipated engagement was announced by the Prince of Wales on Monday morning with a statement saying the couple, who have been dating for 16 months, will marry in the spring next year.

A beaming Ms Markle, in a white belted coat, clutched Harry's hand with both of her hands as they posed briefly for the press, and showed off her diamond engagement ring.