Prince Harry, Meghan Markle share official engagement photos

Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle get close in their official engagement photos.

The 33-year-old British royal and 36-year-old American actress released portraits Thursday through Kensington Palace following news they will marry in May 2018.

The Kensington Palace official Twitter account posted pictures of Prince Harry and Markle that photographer Alexi Lobomirski captured this week at Frogmore House near Windsor Castle.

"Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle have chosen to release official photographs to mark their engagement," the palace wrote. "The photographs were taken by @alexilubo earlier this week at Frogmore House, Windsor."

Kensington Palace followed up by thanking fans for their well wishes for the couple. The portraits had received over 25,000 likes as of Thursday morning.

"Thank you so much for all of the wonderful comments following the release of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle's engagement photographs," the palace tweeted. "The couple are so grateful for the warm and generous messages they have received during such a happy time in their lives."

Prince Harry and Markle got engaged in November after more than a year of dating. The pair said in an interview with the BBC that Prince Harry popped the question as they cooked chicken during a quiet night at home.

"It was just an amazing surprise," Markle gushed. "It was so sweet and natural and very romantic. He got on one knee."

Kensington Palace announced this month that Prince Harry and Markle will marry May 19, 2018.