There are high hopes Norfolk residents will be able to see Prince Harry's fiancée Meghan Markle following news of the royal engagement.

The highly-anticipated announcement was welcomed by people across the county.

No date has been announced for the wedding, but it is expected the fifth in line to the throne will marry the American actress in Spring 2018.

Councillor Brian Long, leader of the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, said: 'I'm sure the residents of west Norfolk will look forward to meeting and seeing Meghan Markle at Sandringham during Christmas.

'It would be good to see them move to this part of the world in the same way that William and Kate did when they were first married.'

Pageant master and royalist Bruno Peek, 66, from Lowestoft Road in Gorleston, said: 'It's brilliant. I'm delighted. They [Harry and Meghan] will make a great couple.'

He said the engagement news was what the country needed 'after so much doom and gloom' and it made him 'feel warm inside'.

Mr Peek added: 'They will complement each other and the news has been welcomed by all. They are a young couple and have a great future together. Harry does a lot for this country. I hope they do well.

'It will be nice to see them in Norfolk. I'm sure they will be visiting Norfolk. It will be a boost to our great county.'

MP Keith Simpson, who represents Broadland, said: 'It is very good news. Apart from being in love, they have the potential to be a formidable team. We may be seeing more of them in Norfolk.'

Great Yarmouth MP Brandon Lewis said the wedding would be 'a celebration for the nation to look forward to'.

Henry Bellingham MP for North West Norfolk said: 'Megan Markle is obviously a quite extraordinary young person with so many different interests in so many wonderful causes. She will be a great addition to the monarchy. I understand she has already been to West Norfolk a few times, and I am confident that everyone in the area is hoping they will spend a great deal of time in our great county.'

Norfolk County Council Chairman John Ward offered his 'warmest' congratulations along with other councillors.

South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss said: 'This is wonderful news and I send them both my heartfelt congratulations. Norfolk has a long and affectionate history with the royal family so today's announcement will I am sure be warmly welcomed across the county.'

Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman offered his congratulations and good luck to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their married life.

South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon added the news was 'marvellous' and would 'cheer up the nation tremendously'.

Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, said: 'This is wonderful news and I wish them every happiness, and I know lots of people in Norwich north will feel the same, and will want to pass on their very best wishes to the happy couple.'

Richard Jewson, Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk, said: 'I'm sure everyone in Norfolk will wish them every possible happiness together.'