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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle "Are as Good as Engaged"

We're bringing you exclusive details on the couple's relationship

By Jess Cohen Oct 02, 2017 7:29 PMTags

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are making their way towards an official engagement.

The couple, who E! News confirmed to be an item last fall, recently made their first official join appearance together at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto last week. The couple also showed PDA at the event's closing ceremonies Saturday, which were also attended by Markle's mother, Doria Radlan. But this isn't the first time Prince Harry has met his girlfriend's mom.

"This week wasn't the first time that Harry met Doria," says a close source. "They actually met late last year so they're very close now. Doria sees Harry as one of the family and he sees her like family too. Harry is has become close with all of Meghan's closest friends - Markus [Anderson], the Mulroneys, these are people who have welcomed him with warm and open arms and he's really felt the love and protection."

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Prince Harry & Meghan Markle: Romance Rewind
Karwai Tang/WireImage

The insider continues, "When Meghan and Harry first began dating everyone did their best to help keep it a secret. The people Harry is surrounding himself with have already earned their trust."

The source also says that Harry, Meghan, Doria had dinner at Jessica and Ben Mulroney's house on Thursday evening last week.

"With Ben and Jessica they all became friends very early on," the insider says. "When Harry first started going to Toronto to visit Meghan, it was Ben and Jessica who had them over at their house for dinners because it wasn't easy for them to go out in public without the risk of getting spotted. Harry's become close with their children Brian, John and Ivy. Ivy especially is a big fan. She, of course, has no idea that he's a prince though - he's just auntie Meghan's special friend Harry, who sometimes comes over with fun presents!"

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Meghan Markle Gets a Kiss From Prince Harry at the Invictus Games' Closing Ceremonies
Danny Lawson/PA Wire

And it sounds like Harry had a great time with everyone in Toronto this past week.

"Toronto was an amazing experience for Harry," a source close to Harry says. "Everything to do with Invictus went according to plan and without hiccups. An uplifting and positive week spent doing what he loves most surrounded by good friends and the most important woman in his life." 

The source continues, "While it was always discussed prior that Meghan would attend the games in some capacity, how it was going to play out was very much left for feeling out at the time. The day Harry walked through the village to Wheelchair Tennis in front of the photographers was pretty much spur of the moment. He was just in a great mood and they kind of looked at each other before like, 'Shall we just get this over with?' In a way they wish they didn't leave it for so long because after that initial moment was gone, it suddenly felt very easy to be out there as a couple with people looking at them, photos being taken, etc."

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make First Official Joint Appearance at Invictus Games

And close pals are already planning their wedding outfits!

"Harry left Toronto yesterday on a high and can't wait to see Meghan next," another source reveals. "She has a packed schedule between now and November with Suits, but after that will be an exciting time for them and a new chapter in their relationship."

The insider adds, "While Meghan may not be wearing a ring or a formal engagement announced, it's fair to say they're as good as engaged now. They've spoken about their marriage plans openly with each other and friends and family around them are pretty much thinking about wedding attire already!"

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