Royal wedding: Politicians respond to Harry and Meghan’s engagement

Politicians have welcomed news of another Royal wedding, rushing to congratulate Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their engagement.

The reactions varied from the carefully-worded protocol-esque to the hastily-typed and deleted, while one Tory MP admitted the news had likely upstaged a major Government announcement.

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Here is the best of the political reaction.

:: Jeremy Corbyn

The Labour leader responded to the news at a campaign event in Scotland, wishing Prince Harry and Ms Markle "a great time and great fun together".

Then, laughing, he added: "Having met Harry a couple of times I’m sure they’re going to have a great deal of fun together."

He continued: "What I would also say is that I really do admire the way that Harry and his brother have actually drawn attention to mental health issues across the county and helped to raise the consciousness surrounding mental health.

"So I wish them well, thank him for what he’s done on mental health, and hope they have a great life together."

:: Arlene Foster

Speaking of brothers, DUP leader Arlene Foster was forced to delete a tweet of congratulations – after naming Prince William instead.

"Congratulations to HRH Prince William on his engagement to Megan Markle," she wrote. "Wonderful news this morning!"

The tweet was swiftly replaced with one correctly naming Prince Harry – but still spelt Ms Markle’s first name incorrectly.

:: Theresa May

The PM – who has reportedly been primed for the Royal wedding news since last week – said it was "a time of huge celebration".

She said: "I would like to offer my very warmest congratulations to HRH Prince Harry and Meghan Markle upon their engagement.

"This is a time of huge celebration for two people in love and, on behalf of myself, the Government and the country, I wish them great happiness for the future."

:: James Cleverly

The backbench Tory MP offered his "huge congratulations" – admitting the news would likely upstage a major announcement by the Government.

Posting a video of Business Secretary Greg Clark talking about a new initiative published on Monday morning, Mr Cleverly wrote: "Sorry Greg, turns out today’s Industrial Strategy announcement might get bumped from the news."

Mr Clark himself responded to the news, insisting he was "thrilled" to see it "being announced today".

Asked if it would provide a Brexit boost, he said: "They’re already a very popular couple; they’re a big hit in this country and around the world.

"I wouldn’t dream of translating it into economic terms but I just think everyone will be smiling a big smile and looking forward to that very special day."

:: Tom Tugendhat

Foreign affairs commitee chair Mr Tugendhat could not resist using defence questions on Monday to make a joke about the Royals’ honeymoon.

He asked ministers about the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier coming into service: "With the Royal wedding coming as early as next year and with the absence of the Yacht Britannia, is there not a possibility that the new Prince and Princess will require something to sail around the seas with?"

Former minister Robert Halfon also reflected on Twitter: "At last an interlude to Brexit glumbucketness!"

While MP Nick Boles mused: "Meghan Markle seems like a breath of fresh air. Good on you, Prince Harry."

(c) Sky News 2017: Royal wedding: Politicians respond to Harry and Meghan’s engagement