Royal Engagement Photos of Prince William and Kate Middleton

Dec. 13, 2010— -- The world's most famous soon-to-be-married couple have released their official engagement photos, snapped on Nov. 25 but released to the world this weekend.

Looking both glamorous and relaxed, Prince William and Kate Middleton chose these two official portraits to mark their engagement, which were taken by celebrated photographer Mario Testino, who also shot Princess Di in the famous series of pictures for Vanity Fair taken five months before her death in 1997.

Princess Di's wedding ring figures prominently in the two new photos.

The formal photo is taken in an historic chamber linked to Clarence House, the official residence of William's father Prince Charles. William is wearing a Turnbull and Asser suit, while Kate opted for a cream-colored dress off-the-rack from the British retailer Riess.

The casual photo, however, is the most revealing. For the eight years of their courtship the couple avoided touching in public, but here William embraces Kate in a public declaration of love.

Click here to see the photos.