Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released three official engagement portraits today via the official Kensington Palace twitter account.
Alexi Lubomirski, who conducted the shoot earlier this week at Frogmore House, Windsor, Kensington Palace, did an amazing job of capturing the couple.
He said “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 soon-to-be Duchess of Sussex was beaming wearing a Ralph & Russo Fall 2016 Couture gown which I’m sure some might be surprised considering the sheerness of the top, but I’m for this modern spin on fairytale moment.
While I know no one will ever compare to the late Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, I’m really hoping Meghan will bring a hint of Hollywood glamour to the palace.
Credit: Vogue.com & Alexi Lubomirski
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The dress is lovely and she looks beautiful. So from a fashion point of view, although they look like they are dressed for different events, it works. However from a PR point of view, and for the Royals, EVERYTHING is PR, it seems like a mistake.
As long as she doesn’t bore us like Catherine does, I am all for it! She remains classy so what’s the issue here? British royals need to spice things up and get with our time and that is why Meghan is a breath of fresh air in their boring old fashioned “style”.
Above everything I love how happy they look.
My only quibble would be that it is an evening gown to me and it looks kind of weird for a daytime photoshoot. I see the point on some of the criticism here, but honestly, in the end there is a voice in my head whispering: who am I to judge? As somebody else pointed out, is there a rule book on royal dressing? Or are those “rules” rewritten and altered as time goes by?
Sometimes these changes are imperceptible, sometimes the rule is flaunted and despite the initial shock, a new “normal” is established, eventually. Let’s adapt with an open mind.
Do I like the dress? It’s not my favourite but her style and glamour is going to be a breath of fresh air. I’m excited to see what’s she going to wear in the coming years.
Do I also think this dress isn’t the best judgment call in terms of PR? Unfortunately yes.
It doesn’t matter if her image is based on truth and fairness or not. It’s the image you have to deal with. Period. So going on comments made about her image, this was a poor choice.
What a strange concept of an institution it must be where it ‘needs’ a new member who makes bold sartorial choices and the whole world waits to scrutinize it. The ‘royal family’ is so outdated folks.
I’m not that familiar with royal etiquette, but we’re living in the 21st century, shouldn’t we adapt? Meghan looks gorgeous here and there is nothing vulgar about the dress. I’m a fan!
Listen, she is exactly what the royal family needs. I cannot wait – to see what she brings. I love that he loves her!
She looks lovely, I think I’m really going to enjoy her sense of style if she keeps this up. These are really beautiful photos.
Not my favorite R&R gown though, and I do agree the formality of the dress doesn’t match what he’s wearing nor the background setting either, but that’s nitpicking.
Also, I don’t get what all the PR fuss is about. Are we supposed to pretend these people aren’t wealthy?
She looks lovely and they are just an adorable couple. I hope she keeps her “American” style and ignores the Royal rules. Just say no to frumpiness!
I don’t understand what everyone is up in arms over. The dress looks lined in the bust area and she looks absolutely beautiful.
+1
Some people always need something to be outraged about…..
His level of formality does not match hers. A ostentatious couture evening gown for a daytime royal photo shoot? Perhaps not the best way to introduce yourself to the British public. She’s catching hell for this and it’s not just the DM’s comment section. I thought she was a little more circumspect than this. I personally feel like she’s not doing her betrothed any favors right now. I do like the intimacy of the photos, less stuffy and more modern.
I actually think it was intentional. The BRF will do anything to survive and stay relevant or at least have people talking good or bad.
I like her and her style, but the $50,000 dress is OTT.
I agree. I think it was a pr misstep to pick such an expensive gown for this shoot.
It was indeed. He should have matched her extravagance so at least they could shoulder the heat she’s catching together. It’s terrible optics for someone who’s been touted as low-key, non-Hollywood and a serious humanitarian. She’s barely worth 5 mil and never dressed like this before him. Looks try-hard and over-eager now that’s she’s got access to his considerable wealth.
The Royal family is not Hollywood, and their image is a carefully curated one. For someone who’s been discreet until now I’m surprised at her. It comes off as very nouveau riche and isn’t the best way to make an impression with the classist British.
I actually have no issue with the dress itself, it really reveals nothing. As the Duchess of Sussex she will have many formal events where a gown like this would be appropriate. She could learn a thing or two from Kate, who came from a far wealthier background, but who’s been circumspect to a fault.
Has there ever been an incident where what a male royal wears becomes front news? It’s always the women and it’s all curated by the ‘institution’. I bet my republican neck on that!
right you are; so right you are…….
Meghan is her own person, hope she does not copy Katherine’s dress sense especially if it is to prevent people from getting their little feelings hurt…….
A great post about fashion has now turned into a judgment about how royal the dress is coupled with some ‘classist British’ whatever that means
if you don’t know what classist British means you’ll be over your head in this convo lol.
Oh infinity…………..
Wow let’s be nasty . The Daily Mail comment section is on another website maybe you should write your “wit “ there
Love this couple! They are to die for. However, I do not like her choice of dress at all and that’s that.
Lovely pictures, so happy for them and for Meghan’s future style. She has great hair too, just like her future sister-in-law!
It think the dress is super elegant.
Emma – everyone has great hair when you have a blow dry 24/7!!! Agree about the dress and who cares about the cost, the fact that it’s dressy – let’s just be happy for once . We get enough LKBennett from Kate.
Sigh. It’s a romantic dream.
Is the top part see-through?
They look adorable together and very in love.
Beautifully composed and very romantic. I see no hint of anything untoward so this is sheer very well deployed. My only quibble — the differing levels of formality, a couture sheer/sequinned/feathered ball gown on her and suede casual shoes/standard suit on him.
That’s the norm though. There is no couture for men.
Like for a fact there are no couture menswear houses.
To Harry’s credit though, the suit is impeccably tailored. Plus, the blue he chose is not exactly a basic navy. On second consideration, that color blue is in fact inspired and very handsome on him with that ginger hair and coloring.
Charlene, there is couture for men as well. JPGaultier, Versace, Dolce Gabanna Alta Moda and even Chanel.
No there isn’t. D&G Alta Moda isn’t officially couture and Versace Atelier and Chanel do not even produce menswear (Karl’s ‘favourites’ walking the show doesn’t count).
The status quo will remain the same with Meghan joining the royal family or not. I mean specifically the gender roles. The female will remain the clothes horse. I think she – not questioning their relationship – is conveniently the royal family’s ticket to relevance across the pond and to a more diverse audience.
Sorry, at every Chanel shop I entered there is a niche for menswear. Very small, but still. A Chanel Couture jacket for men costs 55.000€, without embellishments. You choose the textile and the finishings. They took your measurements and voilà, it is a couture piece. I saw most than 1, so definitely they exist.
And JPG has a long list of male clients, for Couture.
Obviously I can only refer to my personal experience.
*more than one
There is no men’s couture as defined by the ‘Chambre de commerce et d’industrie de Paris’. Some designers may call their menswear collections couture but apparently it’s legally not. Chanel may sell menswear but there is no official menswear as in collections/fashion shows (except as said before Karl’s favourites walking in his uniform at the womens’ shows).
Come on, even if not recognized by the Chambre brands like Atelier Versace and Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda are DE FACTO couture.
They do something called Demi Couture which frankly is like having a bespoke Saville row suit made. Dior, Chanel and Dolce do it but I’m sure that suit is from Anderson’s & Shepard and probably cost around £15,000
That is because they have tailors who make bespoke suits on Savile Row .
What is the point of male royals?
They look lovely. I only wish she had chosen a true British designer, not a couple of Aussies.
What designer is Harry’s suit by?
I don’t have a clue. I was referring to her choice, only.
lol nobody gives a shit about his choice and he’s actually the royal one 😀
lol nobody gives a damn about his choice and he’s actually the royal one 😀
A couple of Aussies have done in London what no one else has ever done. They are registered as a British Haute Couture Fashion House / Luxury Goods Company… If not for the ‘couple of Aussies’ Britain wouldn’t have the first British brand to be elected in almost 100 years by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture to show its collection on the official schedule at Paris Haute Couture Week. Way to go ! What a fantastic couple of Aussies showing the English how to do fashion !!!! Meghan Markle knows they were the best choice… the ONLY Haute Couture made in Britian ….yes, by a couple of AUSSIES
Couldn’t he have worn something special too? So boring!
Proof that not all boredom is created equal: some of it is brief and circumstantial ( imagine Hugh Jackman in a bad day) and some of it is highly designed and teeters on existential crisis, members of the Royal Family for instance.
It’s not brief and circumstantial actually I’ve been jaded/disenchanted by ‘royalty’. Their whole existence reinforces the status quo – class system/religion/gender roles. The only thing they’re useful for today would be visual aesthetics but the male royals can’t even do that. They’re redundant.
I agree with you. In fact I referred to Royal Family members as NO circumstantial.
A suit is appropriate men’s formalwear though. What did you expect him to wear?
I think she looks lovely and they look so sweet together. I read a lot of Brits are upset with her choice of dress but it’s not sheer as in you can see her breasts. Who needs another stuffy Royal couple?
You are forgetting one half of the couple who is still in his stuffy suit. If Harry was wearing a sheer top then we’d be talking!
PS The Brits or actually just Daily Mail readers have always been ‘upset’ with their female royals’ sartorial choices.
Awww, Harry’s cute. His suit might be stuffy but he isn’t! (Remember we’ve seen him naked LOL)
the British as a rule do not like splashy displays of wealth, especially from their Royals who are ornamental but suck up quite a bit in taxpayer money. Pippa is married to a billionaire and has never been so extravagant. Old money operates differently. I thought Meghan understood that but now I wonder.
I am sure she is going to lose sleep over you wondering about that…….my goodness now it is a matter of old money and new money…….. non sense really.
Such a simple and beautiful dress creates so much faux outrage…….incredible, just incredible!!
Pippa’s money is about a day old . Mist Brits have zero to no fashion taste- if one would compare a drinks party in France , Italy , or NYC with that of London – you would shudder at how poorly the Brits dress- I have attended many – with the French and Italian men eye rolling about what these woman wear . Sleek dressing is a very new concept here.
Can’t believe how sheer the top is! Wish she kept it a little more classic and traditional. Now I’m so curious about what her wedding dress will look like?!
Finally some style comes to Kensington. I’m not really sure what a Royal gown is but I thought she looked stunning and chic.
Totally agree. This is what I have been waiting for, for such a long time
+1,000,000
Tell me about it!!! What exactly is a royal gown?
She looks great!!! Harry’s suit is super boring but the color is nice
For being Diana’s sons, the princes are both devoid of any style whatsoever.
I want to know what is “royal enough”? People seem to be instilling their own version of “the rules” when there are none. On one of the blogs, they reminded us of the photo of Princess Margaret in a bath wearing only a tiara!
I love the lack of stuffiness of these two – beautiful couple and she is a style icon already!
Agreed. I would like to see this royal rule book to.
I’m delighted she is paving her own way.
Harry is wearing the most basic suit. He is as stuffy as all other male royals imo.
I like the gown but this is too much Hollywoord and not royal enough for me. They look so in love though !
Also , did she buy it or was it a loan ? Because I guess it must be really expensive and I thought I had read that the BRF can’t accept loans ?
To clarify, I’m saying the vibe of the photos are too Hollywood , not the dress. To me , it looks more like a photoshoot for a fashion magazine than royal engagement photos but obviously you don’t have to agree.
Dress is fine, although I don’t see her repeating it after the wedding, hence my question about a loan.
I agree. It more like a fashion photoshoot, I guess that is why they choose Alexi Lubomirski as that is his M.O.
I think they are deliberately trying to go against the grain.
Yes, royals can’t accept gifts, but this was a photoshoot so the dress would’ve been a loan like all other photoshoots x
Thanks for your answer Catherine !
I respect that they want to do something different but I think it will take me a while to get used to this as it is not what I expected or what I really like in royalty.
At least, it’ll be exciting to watch her evolve as a royal now and I wish them all the best.
Yes. I’m very excited to see how she evolves.
As am I.