Senior British royal to marry US ex-model

ISTANBUL (AA) - Prince Harry, the 33-year-old senior British royal, is to marry his U.S. girlfriend it was revealed on Monday.

A statement from Clarence House confirmed Harry would marry 36-year-old Meghan Markle, an American ex-model and actress, after the couple became engaged earlier this month.

The wedding is scheduled for spring next year and the couple have informed the country's reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

Harry, a former U.K. soldier, is the younger brother of Prince William -- second-in-line to the throne after their father, Prince Charles.