Markle marries Hollywood to House of Windsor
BRITAIN: They are undoubtedly some of the most romantic royal engagement photographs yet - and the ones with the biggest price tag.
The pictures show Meghan Markle cuddling up against her fiance, Prince Harry, at Frogmore House, Windsor. However, in concentrating on how much the couple are clearly in love, the casual viewer may miss the fact that Markle is wearing a dress that originally cost an estimated £56,000 (NZ$106,000).
It is by London-based couture label Ralph & Russo, from its autumn-winter 2016 collection. The gown, which features a tiered tulle skirt with a decorated sheer bodice, was purchased rather than loaned - although given the publicity that the fashion house has gained as a result of the photo, it is unlikely that the couple paid anything like its listed price.
Either way, it says much about the glamorous Markle and her desire to create a bold fashion statement: the House of Windsor meets Hollywood.
It also prompts speculation that Ralph & Russo, whose dresses have been worn by Naomi Campbell, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez, may be in line to create her wedding dress. When Kate Middleton posed for her engagement picture with Prince William, she wore a dress by high-street brand Reiss.
The images of Harry and Markle, taken this week and released yesterday, were taken by Alexi Lubomirski, a fashion and celebrity photographer descended from Polish royalty.
A message with one picture said: ‘‘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.’’
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 happi- ness together.’’
Lubomirski, who is based in New York, used to work as assistant to Mario Testino, who took some of the most celebrated photographs of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, as well as William and Kate’s engagement picture.
In a 2015 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, he discussed his thoughts on how to maintain a lasting relationship - a sentiment that may be reflected in his pictures of Harry and Markle. ‘‘You have got to be a cheesy romantic!’’ he said. – The Times