Two official photographs marking Prince William's engagement to Kate Middleton have been released.
The portraits, one formal and the other more casual, were taken by Mario Testino, the celebrated fashion and celebrity photographer, who created some of the the most enduring images of Diana, Princess of Wales.
William and Kate, both 28, look very much in love holding each other in the setting of St James' Palace built by Henry VIII in the 16th century.
Testino said: "I am very happy to have been asked to cover this historic moment that the whole world was waiting for. They are in their prime and brimming with happiness. I have never felt so much joy as when I see them together."
In the formal image the couple are standing close together with Kate resting her left arm on her fiance's and both are smiling towards the camera.
They are standing in the Palace's Council Chamber with its plush red carpet, green coloured furnishings and walls hung with paintings of some of William's ancestors.
The informal image shows the couple smiling and embracing, with William wrapping his arms around Kate while she puts her left hand on his chest as their heads touch.
The photoshoot was held on November 25 more than a week after the engagement announcement which revealed to the world the prince would marry his long-term love.
Kate and William chose the two images to be released out of the set of pictures taken by the Peruvian-born photographer.
The images were sent to Clarence House were they studied them before making their final decision.
A Clarence House Spokesperson said: "Prince William has worked with Mario Testino on many occasions before, and so the couple decided that he was the right choice for such an important portrait."
