Prince Harry and William's engagement photos compared

Prince Harry and William's engagement photos compared

Embracing with their eyes lowered and faces touching, or reclining on the steps of a stately home, holding hands, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's official engagement photos are perhaps the most intimate images ever seen of any royal couple.

The thoroughly modern pair posed for two photographs earlier this week at Frogmore House, one in colour and one in black and white, with Meghan choosing a dazzling Ralph & Russo gown worth an estimated £56,000 (£46,650 before VAT) for the former, and a cream knit by Victoria Beckham for the latter. 

Later, touched by the flood of messages of congratulations and support they received after releasing the photos, they shared another, more candid snap captured on the day of their special shoot - and again, the inseparable couple were closely entwined, with a laughing Meghan holding her husband-to-be's arm with one hand, the other loosely linked to Harry's. 

In almost every respect the portraits, taken by fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski and released by Kensington Palace on Thursday, are remarkably different from those taken to mark Prince William and Kate's engagement back in 2010 - not least in light of the sheer bodice on Meghan's couture dress, which the palace has said was privately purchased.

When she and William posed for engagement photos, Kate wore a demure cream dress by British high street store Reiss.  

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge commissioned Vogue photographer Mario Testino for their portraits seven years ago in November, and at the time they were considered to be ground-breaking.

Like Harry and Meghan the couple released an additional photo of them embracing, cheek to cheek, in casual ensembles including a cashmere jumper from Brunello Cucinell worn by William and Kate nestling close to her then husband-to-be in a cream blouse. 

But body language expert Judi James told FEMAIL that Meghan and Harry's 'stunningly sexy' shoot captures an unprecedented level of intimacy when compared to Kate and Wills' 'polite snuggling'. 

It seems that Harry has opted for a similar approach to his brother but taking it one step further. The couple, who announced their engagement almost a month ago, stand face to face in an intimate pose.

The duo have both kept the eyes closed and Harry rests his forehead on Meghan's. The 36-year-old actress can be seen touching her partner's chin while he wraps her inside his wool coat.

Notably the couple have also opted to have the photo published in black and white, something that has not been favoured in royal engagements since colour photography was introduced.

Commenting on the intimate shot body language expert Judi James tells the MailOnline: 'If there were any protocol about the intimacy levels of royal engagement photos Harry and Meghan have cut right through it with the stunningly sexy poses that show a couple so much in love that the viewer might seem to be intruding.   

'While William and Kate opted for some polite snuggling in their photos Harry has raised the bar by wrapping Meghan into his coat.

'Harry is clearly openly happy to let the rest of the world know how happy and in love he is and Meghan's high levels of confidence seem to have allowed him to sidestep the normal formality of a royal romance and show a far more intimate side of their relationship.' 

While this portrait certainly showcases a great contrast to the Cambridge's there are a few similarities.

The bride-to-be can be see flashing her custom made engagement ring designed by Harry before the camera, most likely at the instruction of her photographer - Alexi Lubomirski. 

This is similar to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's which saw Kate show off her iconic sapphire engagement ring, famously belonging to Princess Diana.  

Meghan and Harry have too chosen to dress down for the photo, with Meghan in a Victoria Beckham jumper and her fiance in a wool coat from Burberry. 

However, the choice in clothing could not be more different in the couples' second photos.

In their second portrait Kate and William stand in the Council Chamber in the State Apartment at St. James's Palace.

William is dressed in a Turnbull & Asser suit, shirt and tie while his then bride-to-be opts for a high street brand dressed in a cream Reiss dress.

This is a stark contrast to Meghan and Harry. In the second photo the engaged couple sit on the steps of Frogmore House in an informal pose.

While it is not known where Prince Harry's suit is from Meghan has shied away from the British high street instead opting for an opulent ball gown costing an estimated £56,000.

The dress is by haute couture designer dress features a frothy tulle