UK

Harry and Meghan release official engagement photographs

One of two official engagement photos released Kensington Palace of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle taken by Alexi Lubomirski earlier this week at Frogmore House, Windsor. Picture by Alexi Lubomirski
One of two official engagement photos released Kensington Palace of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle taken by Alexi Lubomirski earlier this week at Frogmore House, Windsor. Picture by Alexi Lubomirski One of two official engagement photos released Kensington Palace of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle taken by Alexi Lubomirski earlier this week at Frogmore House, Windsor. Picture by Alexi Lubomirski

Images of Prince Harry and his bride-to-be Meghan Markle have been released by the couple to mark their engagement.

An intimate black and white portrait of the couple embracing has been published alongside an endearing but more formal picture of the couple sat together holding hands.

The photographs were taken by fashion and celebrity photographer Alexi Lubomirski earlier this week at Frogmore House, Windsor.

Mr Lubomirski said: "It was an incredible honour to be asked to document this wonderful event, but also a great privilege to be invited to share and be a witness to this young couple's love for one another.

"I cannot help but smile when I look at the photos that we took of them, such was their happiness together."

The black and white image, taken in the grounds of the house, shows the prince and his fiancee smiling, and embracing as their heads touch.

Ms Markle, who on Wednesday joined Harry at a Christmas lunch for the royal family, holds the prince's face, with her engagement ring prominent, as he wraps his arms around her.

Ms Markle joined Harry at a Christmas lunch for the royal family on Wednesday. Photo credit must read: Alexi Lubomirski
Ms Markle joined Harry at a Christmas lunch for the royal family on Wednesday. Photo credit must read: Alexi Lubomirski Ms Markle joined Harry at a Christmas lunch for the royal family on Wednesday. Photo credit must read: Alexi Lubomirski

The other photograph shows the couple, dressed smartly, sat on the steps of Frogmore with the US former actress just below her fiance.

Ms Markle places her left hand on Harry's right hand, again showing her engagement ring, as they both look at the photographer.

Harry and Ms Markle later released a third photograph on the Instagram account of the prince's household, Kensington Palace.

The black and white image shows the beaming couple as they walk hand in hand through the grounds of Frogmore House.

A message with the picture says: "Thank you so much for all of the wonderful comments following the release of Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle's engagement photographs.

A third official engagement photo released by Kensington Palace of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Picture by Alexi Lubomirski
A third official engagement photo released by Kensington Palace of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Picture by Alexi Lubomirski A third official engagement photo released by Kensington Palace of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Picture by Alexi Lubomirski

"The couple are so grateful for the warm and generous messages they have received during such a happy time in their lives.

"As a way to say thank you, they have decided to share this candid photograph from the day of their portrait sittings directly with all of you."