Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first official royal wedding photos

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first official royal wedding photos



These are the three extraordinary official photographs released by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle today showing the happy couple madly in love in the most bold and intimate royal wedding portraits ever seen.



The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who wed on Saturday during a moving multi-cultural ceremony that reflected the diversity of modern Britain, said they feel 'so lucky' to have shared their big day with 120,000 people in Windsor and millions watching around the world.



The most striking image shows Meghan sitting between Harry's legs on the East Terrace of Windsor Castle as the prince looks smiling at the camera while his new bride laughs at someone to their left.



Even the formal family wedding shot featuring the Queen has an informal feel and the bride's mother Doria Ragland, 62, stands proudly next to her daughter looking firmly part of the royal family 'firm'.



The final image shows Prince George and Princess Charlotte grinning cheekily with the other bridesmaids and page boys with Harry and Meghan both wearing wide and clearly joyful smiles.



Meghan and Harry's choice of official images can be seen as yet another stage of their royal revolution because they contrast with royal portraits of the past.



The couple were captured by Alexi Lubomirski, 42, the protege of photographer Mario Testino who was famously beloved by his mother Princess Diana. 





The images were taken by Alexi Lubomirski at Windsor Castle following the carriage procession.



A Kensington Palace spokesman 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.



'They would also like to say thank you for all of the generous messages of support they have received.'



Mr Lubomirski said: 'It has been an incredible honour and privilege to document The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's inspiring journey of love, hope and family; from the engagement photos, all the way through to the official wedding and family portraits on Saturday.



'This has been a beautiful chapter in my career and life, that I will happily never forget.'



And their US-influenced and multi-cultural wedding ceremony with gospel choir and fiery Chicago preacher's sermon was something conservative royals had never experienced before.



Mr Lubomirski, 42, was chosen after he photographed the now-newlyweds on their engagement in a series of stark images released in December.



The pictures taken at Frogmore House in Windsor included one intimate black and white portrait of the couple embracing.



This is where the couple held their evening reception on Saturday night.



Body language expert Judi James said at the time that the couple look 'so in love' in the three new official royal portraits viewers felt like they were 'intruding' on a private moment.



Meghan has been hailed for her part in the most diverse royal wedding ever.



In a candid biography published on the Queen's official website, Meghan highlights a speech she gave at the 2015 UN Women Conference, in which she forcefully stated her guiding principles.



The profile recalls how volunteering in a soup kitchen in LA's Skid Row, and campaigning against a 'sexist' washing up liquid advert, helped shape her 'lifelong commitment' to 'social justice and women's empowerment'.



The new page on Buckingham Palace's online guide to the royals lists the duchess's interests, saying she has a 'keen awareness of social issues'.



Last night a source told the Mail that while Meghan was keen to make an 'impact', she would not rush into anything, and was very conscious of what 'it means to be a royal'.



The public statement of her values comes after she insisted on walking halfway down the aisle alone, and refused to be 'given away'.



As details of her new role were revealed, it emerged that:



After a tumultuous build-up to the wedding, a tearful Prince Harry praised his wife for having 'navigated everything with such grace', adding: 'We make such a great team';



Meghan made a speech at their private reception, referring to Harry 'my husband', which made him blush, and thanking Prince Charles for his welcome to the family.



Her wedding dress designer, Givenchy's Clare Waight Keller, revealed that even the women working on the garment were kept in the dark about who it was for;