In glorious official photos, day full of love and laughter
The joy – and romance – of a very special day in the history of the Royal Family are captured in the official wedding photographs released yesterday.
While the main family group picture is formal yet happy, a second, more relaxed portrait of the bride and groom with their young attendants captures the fun of the occasion.
Taken in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor, it shows harry, 33, seated on a green silk sofa with Meghan’s goddaughter Remi Litt, six, on his right and a grinning Prince George, four, on his left. Also in the back row are Brian Mulroney, seven, Remi’s sister Rylan, seven, harry’s godson Jasper Dyer, six, Ivy Mulroney, four, and her brother John, who is Brian’s twin. On the floor are bridesmaids Zalie Warren, two, – the only one of the group not grinning – Princess Charlotte, three, and Florence van Cutsem, three.
Meghan, 36, sits in front of harry, her gown flowing in front of her.
A third picture, taken just before the wedding reception, is a classic black and white portrait of the bride and groom, bathed in sunshine and happiness on the east Terrace. Without Meghan’s 16ft veil, it is possible to see the art deco beauty of Queen Mary’s 1932 platinum and diamond bandeau tiara, lent by the Queen.
The portraits were taken by celebrity photographer Alexi Lubomirski. his main family picture shows how far the royals have moved with the times.
It includes four divorcees, one of whom is mixed race. The last time a British royal – harry’s greatgreat-uncle edward VIII – sought to marry an American divorcee it sparked an abdication crisis. In a statement yesterday, Kensington Palace said: ‘The Duke and Duchess of Sussex would like to thank everyone who took part in the celebrations of their wedding on Saturday.
‘They feel so lucky to have been able to share their day with all those gathered in Windsor and also all those who watched the wedding on television across the UK, Commonwealth and around the world. Their Royal highnesses are delighted with these official portraits taken by Alexi Lubomirski and are happy to be able to share them today.’
It added: ‘They would also like to say thank you for all of the generous messages of support they have received.’
Yesterday afternoon the newlyweds, looking tanned and wearing sunglasses, arrived back at Kensington Palace following a night away at a secret location. Both were smiling and relaxed, with harry driving their Land Rover.
They will today undertake their first official engagement as a married couple – and Meghan’s first as her Royal highness and a duchess – when they attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace to mark Charles’s 70th birthday later this year.