A British royal spoke out in support of Meghan Markle marrying Prince Harry

There’s been quite a bit of buzz and speculation around the year-long romance between Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle. The royal family has mostly stayed mum about the courtship, until now. A British royal is speaking out in support of Meghan Markle. He’s Mike Tindall, and he’s married to Zara Phillips. Zara is Prince Harry and Prince William’s cousin and Queen Elizabeth’s granddaughter.

Earlier this month, Harry and Meghan vacationed in Africa, which spurred the rumor mills to guess Prince Harry might propose. (After all, his brother Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton there.) Meghan also attended Pippa Middleton’s wedding reception in July as Harry’s date, bringing her closer and closer into the family.

Mike himself was in Meghan’s position just six years ago, so understands the feeling quite well.

BTW, here’s Mike and Zara hanging out with Harry at the Invictus Games.

Mike told the Sunday People that while it’s certainly intense to marry into the family, he has high hopes for Meghan.

“It comes with a lot of history and the family that it is. It’s obviously nerve-racking, he said. “But she has been under enough scrutiny and pressure in her day-to-day life so I’m sure she will get through it. She will be fine.

While we haven’t seen a ring just yet, and no word from their African safari, things are certainly heating up.

The trip was in celebration of Meghan’s 36th birthday, and included boat rides, camping and moonlit walks. So romantic!

Even Meghan’s friend, fellow actress Priyanka Chopra, has expressed her excitement around a pending engagement. Priyanka told Wendy Williams recently that while she’s not sure if or when it will happen, she supports it.

“She seems happy. I think they look great together," Priyanka said.

Mike, who hasn’t yet met Meghan, is looking forward to bringing her into the family.

“As long as they are both happy that’s all that you can ask for. She’ll do absolutely fine," he said.

We wholeheartedly agree. We can’t wait to (hopefully) hear those royal wedding bells ring!