Prince Harry and Meghan Markle release engagement photos

Queen Elizabeth's 33-year-old grandson and the American actor, 36, are due to marry in May 2018

epa06401556 A handout photo made available on 21 December 2017 shows one of two official engagement photos released by Kensington Palace of Britain's Prince Harry (L) and his fiancee, US actress Meghan Markle taken by British-born fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski earlier this week at Frogmore House, near Windsor Castle, west of London, Britain. The royal couple are due to marry on 19 May 2018.

ATTENTION EDITORS: Terms of release, which must be included and passed-on to anyone to whom this image is supplied: USE AFTER 31/05/2018 must be cleared by Kensington Palace. This photograph is for editorial use only. NO commercial use. NO use in calendars, books or supplements. Use on a cover, or for any other purpose, will require approval from Art Partner and the Kensington Palace Press Office. There is no charge for the supply, release or publication of this official photograph. This photograph must not be digitally enhanced, manipulated or modified and must be used substantially uncropped. Copyright in the photographs is vested in Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle. Publications are asked to credit the photograph to Alexi Lubomirski.  EPA/Alexi Lubomirski / HANDOUT Photo credit must read: Alexi Lubomirski HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES
Powered by automated translation

Prince Harry and his American fiancée Meghan Markle have released a series of official photographs to mark their engagement.

One is a formal picture of the couple sitting together holding hands, while the second is an intimate black-and-white portrait of the duo embracing.

Both show off Ms Markle's engagement ring, which the prince designed himself.

In a third photo, the happy couple walks arm-in-arm in the grounds of Frogmore House, a royal-owned country house in Windsor.

“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,” Kensington Palace said in a statement.

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

The photos were taken by New York-based fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski earlier this week.

Mr Lubomirski, a former assistant to Mario Testino, is famed for his photos of Prince Harry's late mother Princess Diana.

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

_______________

Read more:

_______________

Queen Elizabeth's 33-year-old grandson, Prince Harry, fifth-in-line to the throne, and Ms Markle, 36, who stars in the hit US TV legal drama "Suits", announced their engagement last month.

They are due to marry on May 19 at Windsor Castle's St. George's Chapel in a highly-anticipated royal wedding.

On Wednesday, press photos showed Ms Markle arriving at Buckingham Palace by car to attend the royal family's pre-Christmas luncheon.

Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive for the Queen's Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, London, Wednesday Dec. 20, 2017. (Jonathan Brady/PA via AP)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive for the Queen's Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, London, Wednesday Dec. 20, 2017. Jonathan Brady/PA via AP

The actor was seen in the passenger seat of the car, which was driven by Prince Harry.

The Queen traditionally hosts a festive lunch for the family before leaving for her private Sandringham Estate in the Norfolk countryside, where she spends her holidays.