3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets From Harry and Meghan's Dreamy Engagement Photo Shoot
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released three stunning official portraits to celebrate their recent engagement on Thursday, and the details behind their dreamy shoot are just as romantic as the photos themselves!
The location has special meaning.
Harry and Meghan shot their engagement photos at Frogmore House, which is located about a mile from Windsor Castle. The 17th-century English country house, which has been a royal retreat for more than 300 years, was the perfect backdrop for the newly engaged couple’s romantic photo shoot. “Windsor is a very special place for Prince Harry, and he and Ms. Markle have regularly spent time there during the last year,” a Kensington Palace spokesman previously said. The couple will also tie the knot on May 19 at George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Frogmore House was also where Harry’s cousin, Peter Phillips, son of the Queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, held his wedding reception in 2008. Meghan would have had the opportunity to discuss the reception venue with Peter during the Queen’s annual Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
The photographer is a prince!
The couple chose fashion and celebrity photographer Alexi Lubomirski to shoot their engagement photos. And while he has major celebrity ties (he has snapped everyone from Julia Roberts to Angelina Jolie), he also has royal ties. The photographer, who is based in New York, is a prince of the Polish House of Lubomirski. His royal lineage dates back 500 years on his father’s side — he even has the official title: “His Serene Highness.” They first met Alexi privately during the week of their engagement. “They considered a number of options but were very impressed with Alexi’s style of photography,” a royal source tells PEOPLE.
Lubomirski was born in England and moved to Botswana (where Harry and Meghan vacationed!) when he was 8 years old. “It was an incredible honor to be asked to document this wonderful event, but also a great privilege to be invited to share and be a witness to this young couple’s love for one another. I cannot help but smile when I look at the photos that we took of them, such was their happiness together,” said Lubomirski, who was a protege of Mario Testino. Testino was beloved by Harry’s mother Princess Diana and also took Prince William and Kate Middleton’s engagement photos.
Meghan hints at her bridal style.
The future bride-to-be looked like a fairy tale princess in her stunning couture gown by Ralph & Russo. (A similar look can be achieved with this design from Tadashi Shoji that combines a long, romantic skirt with an illusion top. Bonus: it’s a fraction of the cost at $428 on Nordstrom’s website!) The sheer number was an unexpected choice, and could be a sign that Meghan will break with royal tradition and opt for a bold wedding gown. The British-based label can now be added to the running list of possible wedding dress designers for Meghan. And if she decides to go with the brand, who specializes in elaborate couture dresses accessorized with crystals, feathers and metallics, her bridal look will be a showstopper.
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