Meghan Markle knew all eyes were going to be on her when she released her engagement photos.
And the bride-to-be certainly didn’t shy a way from making a statement when it came to her dress. The 36-year-old opted for a couture gown by British label Ralph & Russo that cost a staggering £56,000.
From the autumn/winter ’16 collection, the gown features a cascading tulle skirt complete with an entirely sheer bodice decorated with intricate leaf embellishment.
But while there is little doubt it is a showstopping gown, it has not been a unanimous hit.
Dozens of people have already taken to Twitter to question whether the extravagant gown was appropriate for the occasion – while others said it’s fit for a princess.
One of the two photographs of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, taken earlier this week at Frogmore House in Berkshire. Meghan chose a £56,000 gown by Ralph & Russo for the photo
The gown, pictured on the catwalk, would have been handmade by skilled craftsmen
Outrage: Some Twitter users questioned whether the look was appropriate for the occasion
Ralph & Russo is a luxurious is an in-the-know label for high-profile women with a love of fashion.
The British-based label, run by Australian couple Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo, specialises in elaborate couture dresses studded with crystals, devoré feathers, iridescent metallics and floorsweeping trains.
All of their dresses are made by hand, which can take up to 3,000 hours.
It’s certainly a stark contrast to the Reiss dress the Duchess chose for her engagement photos.
The two photographs were taken by celebrated fashion and celebrity photographer Alexi Lubomirski, who has snapped everyone from Julia Roberts to Angelina Jolie.
The pictures were taken earlier this week at Frogmore House, a private royal residence in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
The other photograph shows the couple, dressed smartly, sat on the steps of Frogmore with the US former actress just below her fiance.
Meghan places her left hand on Harry’s right hand, again showing her engagement ring, as they both look at the photographer.
Frogmore House is where Harry’s cousin, Peter Phillips, son of the Queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, held his wedding reception with Canadian Autumn Kelly in 2008, and has been tipped privately as a possible venue for Harry and Meghan’s own bash.
Harry brought his new fiancée to the Queen’s annual Christmas lunch at the palace yesterday, where she was introduced to almost every member of the Royal Family.
The couple announced their engagement on November 27 and a few days later a proud prince introduced his bride-to-be to the nation during a series of official events in Nottingham.