Engagement marked by royals’ romantic photos

Couple follow tradition by sharing intimate portraits

Prince Harry and his bride-to-be Meghan Markle have marked their engagement by releasing a series of romantic photographs.

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

While a third picture, a more candid image showing them walking arm in arm, was released in recognition of the messages of support the prince and Ms Markle have received.

In an Instagram message posted alongside the final photograph, Kensington Palace said: “Thank you so much for all of the wonderful comments following the release of Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle’s engagement photographs.

“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.”

Harry and Meghan have followed a long royal tradition of issuing pictures to mark engagements.

Other couples who published images ahead of their weddings have included the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh when they were Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

Harry and Meghan’s photographs were taken by fashion and celebrity photographer Alexi Lubomirski earlier this week at Frogmore House, Windsor.

Pictures: PA. Harry and Meghan’s photographs were taken by celebrity photographer Alexi Lubomirski.