Engagement

Apart from its personal importance to the couple, a royal engagement also has constitutional significance.

An engagement is generally announced by the parents of the member of the Royal House. The newly engaged couple then make a short statement to the media and answer a few questions.

At the same time, it is also announced whether the couple intend to seek parliamentary consent to their marriage. It is thus clear at this point whether or not the government plans to introduce a bill approving the marriage in Parliament.

If no bill is introduced or if such a bill is not passed, the royal bride or groom loses his/her membership of the Royal House and right of succession when the marriage is solemnised. The children of such a marriage have no right to the throne.