Photos of Prince William and Kate Middleton taken by super-photographer Mario Testino have been released!

The two beautiful official engagement pics released by Buckingham Palace show Wills and Kate looking happy, smoochy and relaxed – albeit in a slightly 1970s soft focus sort of a way. But there’s no denying it, the royal couple look ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!

Mario Testino who has previously taken some of the most iconic photographs of Princess Diana shot the Royal couple in a two hour shoot a couple of weeks ago.

One of the official royal engagement portraits is quite formal. But nevertheless, it’s actually markedly modern (by royal standards) because Mr and Mrs Wales-to-be are hugging. William looks terribly regal in a smart gray suit and tie, which was apparently bought from Royal outfitters Turnbull & Asser.

Royal style icon Kate Middleton’s white dress is from Reiss

Kate looks absolutely beautiful in a white Reiss dress and Links pearl earrings.

There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that Kate has already established herself as the style icon of the year, anything she wears, instantly becomes a must-have item. So if you want to get the royal look and get a Reiss dress, you need to head there today!

Reiss has stores across the UK, or you can buy from Reiss online . For those Mr and Mrs Wales fans living outside of the UK, the Reiss website can ship overseas. Alternatively, Reiss has stores in L.A., New York, Boston and Washington, D.C.

The second official portrait of the couple, taken in the Cornwall room of St James’s Palace, is infinitely more relaxed. So much so that it’s quite unlike any picture I’ve seen of a royal couple before. William is dressed in a Turnbull and Asser shirt and Brunello Cucinelli cashmere sweater (apparently borrowed from Peruvian photographer Mario Testino himself).  Kate is wearing a cream silk blouse from Whistles.

Kate Middleton – Hair and Make-up

What’s all the more astonishing about the incredibly beautiful photos is that Kate Middleton did her own makeup (as she did for THAT post-engagement interview that was televised to the world).  Testino’s makeup artist was on hand, apparently, in case she needed touch-ups.

Kate did have a little help with her hair however. She saw her favourite stylist, James Pryce, from the Richard Ward salon. Apparently both William and Kate also had their teeth bleached in advance of the Royal engagement announcement. A trivia titbit that I find that rather endearing.

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.”

The pair’s April 29, 2011 nuptials should be the biggest royal event since Prince Charles married Diana in 1981.

It’s alleged that Prince William promised Kate, both 28, that they would get married three years ago, while they were on holiday in the Seychelles. William wasn’t ready to get married then, but knew that she was the one.