When Prince Harry’s great-grandparents announced their engagement in 1923, a photograph showed King George VI and the Queen Mother sitting face-forward and barely touching.
Fast-forward to less than a century later and photographs of Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle could not be more different.
Buckingham Palace released three images showing the loved-up duo in a passionate embrace at Frogmore House, a private royal residence in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Wearing a £56,000 dress and a millionaire dollar Hollywood smile, actress Miss Markle looks a world away from the staid engagement shots of her lover’s grandparents.
As these fascinating photographs document, Royal protocol has dramatically changed over recent years with the first engagement cuddle captured in Prince Charles’ hug with Diane in 1981.
1923: eyes front, no touching. Static: The young Queen Mother betrothed to her Prince
2017: Passionate embrace. The portrait of Prince Harry and fiancee Meghan Markle has been likened to that of a perfume advert
1947: Keeping a safe distance. Formal: The Queen and Prince Philip
1960: getting a little closer. All smiles: Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones
1973: Shock horror! Holding hands! A gentle hand clasp displaying Princess Anne’s ring after she got engaged to Mark Phillips in 1973
1981: hug that says he’s all mine. A casual and tieless Charles presents a modern view as the King-in-waiting as he was cuddled by Diana, who wore a matching blue shirt
1986: Look, I’ve bagged a prince too! A tender touch as a pleased Fergie holds the hand of Prince Andrew, the Duke of York
1999: a loving kiss (well sort of). An awkward peck between Prince Edward and Sophie
Snuggle up, darling! Just seven years before Prince Harry posed with Miss Markle, his older brother Wills grinned toothily as he held his fiancee the then-Kate Middleton after their engagement in 2010. Their romantic pose was celebrated as natural and affectionate