Graphic novel tells story of UK's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Fans of Britain’s royal family eagerly awaiting Prince Harry’s wedding to American actress Meghan Markle next month can read about the couple’s romance in a colorful comic book.

Harry, Queen Elizabeth’s grandson and fifth in line to the throne, will tie the knot with Markle on May 19 at Windsor Castle, the palace that has been the home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. They have attracted large cheering crowds in public appearances since their engagement was announced last November. [nL5N1RJ32G] [nL8N1R55P3] [nL2N1RF0C2]

The comic, “The Royals: Prince Harry & Meghan Markle,” is available online in three versions: a traditional 26-page comic book, a hardback 40-page graphic novel and a wedding edition with a special cover by artist Joey Mason. 

Mason’s credits include “My Little Pony: The Movie,” “Green Lantern: The Animated Series” and Scooby-Doo projects.

The comic book about Harry and Markle is published by U.S.-based TidalWave Productions, which has produced comics about other British royals, including Harry’s older brother, Prince William, and Kate Middleton before their wedding.

“Fans of the royal couple will love this issue for portraying Harry and Meghan as two well-rounded and grounded individuals,” publisher Darren Davis said in a statement. “But it also has enough pomp and spectacle to match the excitement surrounding the event.”

The comic details Harry’s life, including his military career, and Markle’s biracial background, her previous divorce and her acting career. It also includes the death of Harry’s mother, Princess Diana.[nL8N1LH1VC][nL8N1LG321]

One panel of the comic reads: “The public couldn’t help but wonder when the young prince would settle down and assume duties of the state. The pressure was on for Harry to leave the bachelor life behind when his brother, Prince William, married Kate Middleton.”

The book describes how Harry and Markle met in 2016 through a mutual friend who set them up and how they traveled together to Botswana. It also discusses the couple’s engagement and how Markle’s ring includes Diana’s diamonds. [nL8N1IO21E] [nL8N1NX25T]

The couple has invited 600 guests to their wedding and requested charitable donations in lieu of gifts. [nL8N1R45H0] [nL8N1RM383]

The wedding is likely to attract huge attention around the world, as did the 2011 marriage of William and Kate Middleton, which was watched by an estimated 2 billion people.