An article about the designers Ralph and Russo in The Times today conveniently links to a 2017 article by Valentine Low on Meghan's arrival in Harry's life, the royal family and the UK. It is nothing but polite and respectful about Meghan - proof that, rather than be attacked by the nasty racist media, Meghan was warmly welcomed right from the start in a way few other royal brides have been.

Meghan Markle’s glamour in Prince Harry engagement pictures marries Hollywood to House of Windsor

Valentine Low

Thursday December 21 2017, 5.00pm GMT,

The Times

They are undoubtedly some of the most romantic royal engagement photographs yet — and the ones with the biggest price tag.

The pictures show Meghan Markle cuddling up against her fiancé, Prince Harry, at Frogmore House, Windsor. However, in concentrating on how much the couple are clearly in love, the casual viewer may miss the fact that Ms Markle, 36, is wearing a dress that originally cost an estimated £56,000.

It is by the London-based couture label Ralph & Russo, and is from their autumn-winter 2016 collection. The gown, which features a tiered tulle skirt with a decorated sheer bodice, is said to have been priced at £46,650 before VAT, although Ralph & Russo, the only couture house in London, would not confirm the figure. It was purchased rather than loaned, although given the publicity that the fashion house has gained as a result of the picture, it is unlikely the couple paid anything like that.

Either way, it says much about the glamorous Ms Markle and her desire to create a bold fashion statement: the House of Windsor meets Hollywood.

It also prompts speculation that the label, whose dresses have been worn by Naomi Campbell, Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez, may be in line to create her wedding dress.

When Kate Middleton posed for her engagement picture with Prince William, she wore a cream dress by the high-street brand Reiss.

The images of Harry and Ms Markle, taken this week and released yesterday, were taken by Alexi Lubomirski, a fashion and celebrity photographer descended from Polish royalty. They show the couple smiling, embracing, clearly happy in each other’s company: they are, without a question, completely crazy about each other.

One picture, in colour, shows them sitting on the steps outside Frogmore House. They are holding hands, with her engagement ring on view.

However, it is the other photograph, in black and white, that speaks so powerfully of their relationship. It shows them embracing as she nestles up close to him, her hand resting on his face. They are both smiling, eyes closed as if lost in the moment. His coat appears to be wrapped around her for warmth. A third, more informal picture was released later on Instagram, showing them walking by the side of the lake as Ms Markle clings to Harry’s arm.

A caption with the picture said: “The couple are so grateful for the warm and generous messages they have received during such a happy time in their lives.

“As a way to say thank you, they have decided to share this candid photograph from the day of their portrait sittings directly with all of you.”

Mr Lubomirski said: “It was an incredible honour 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.”

In the black and white picture Ms Markle is wearing a sweater by Victoria Beckham, while Harry, 33, is wearing a Burberry coat.

Mr Lubomirski, who is based in New York, used to work as assistant to Mario Testino, who took some of the most celebrated photographs of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, as well as William and Kate’s engagement picture.