Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s official engagement photos have been released but did you spot the secret message?
Taken by photographer Alexi Lubomirski, the photos give a nod to Harry’s late mother Princess Diana, known as the people’s princess.
Lubomirski was in fact the protégé of Mario Testino, the man who took the last official photos of Diana before her death in 1997 at the age of 36.
This subtle nod is the perfect tribute and also links her to the next generation of royals who will undertake the same humanitarian work and impact on the world that Diana did.
Thanking the newly engaged royal couple, Lubomirski wrote on his Instagram:
A huge thank you to His Royal Highness Prince Harry and Ms Markle, for allowing me to take their official engagement portraits.
Not only was it an incredible honour, but also an immense privilege to be invited to share and be a witness to this young couple’s love for each other.
I cannot help but smile when I look at the photos that we took.
The snaps really are adorable!
Lubomirski met Testino while making the rounds in London, adding to his portfolio after finishing at the University of Brighton, and quickly joined him in Paris as his assistant.
As well as taking the last official photos of Diana, Testino also took Prince William and Kate Middleton‘s official engagement photos.
It seemed fitting then for his young apprentice to continue tradition and take Harry and Meghan’s photos.
It is not only the photos themselves though that pay tribute to Harry’s late mother.
According to reports, the prince designed Meghan’s engagement ring which features a gold band set with a large diamond from Botswana and two smaller diamonds which have been taken from Diana’s ‘personal collection’.
Made by Cleave and Company, Court Jewellers and Medallists to Her Majesty The Queen, it really is stunning.
The diamond from Botswana also holds a special significance for Harry as he has visited the country many times in his life.
It is also important to Meghan being a place where the couple have spent time together since the start of their relationship.
This isn’t the first time Diana’s jewellery has been used as Prince William famously proposed to Kate Middleton with his mother’s sapphire and diamond ring from her engagement to Prince Charles.
Due to marry May 19 in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, Clarence House announced the couple’s engagement earlier this year on November 27.
The official announcement read:
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle.
The wedding will take place in Spring 2018. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course.
His Royal Highness and Ms. Markle became engaged in London earlier this month. Prince Harry has also sought and received the blessing of Ms. Markle’s parents.
The couple will live in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace.
We wish them a lifetime of happiness.
