Prince Harry's engagement pictures released after royal Christmas lunch

World
Europe

Britain's Prince Harry and his American fiancée Meghan Markle have released a series of portraits by New York-based fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski to mark their engagement today.

One of the two official engagement photos released on December 21. /Reuters Photo

Lubomirski, a former assistant to Mario Testino, famous for his photos of Harry's mother Princess Diana, took the pictures this week at the royal retreat of Frogmore House, near Windsor Castle, west of London, where the couple are due to marry.

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

One of the two official engagement photos released on December 21. /Reuters Photo

Markle joined her fiancé to attend the royal family's pre-Christmas luncheon at Buckingham Palace.

Queen Elizabeth II traditionally hosts a festive lunch for the family before leaving for her private Sandringham Estate in the Norfolk countryside, about 175 kilometers north of London, where she spends her holidays.

Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive for the Queen’s Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, December 20. /AP Photo

Prince Harry arrived in a car with Markle at the palace Wednesday afternoon for the event.

Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, also attended the Queen's Christmas lunch yesterday.

The couple announced their engagement last month, saying they had met through a mutual friend in 2016. They will marry on May 19 at Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Chapel in a highly-anticipated royal wedding.

Source(s): AP ,Reuters