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Two official photographs marking Prince William's engagement to Kate Middleton have been released by the royals.

The portraits at St James's Palace - one casual, one formal - were taken by Mario Testino, whose previous subjects include Diana, Princess of Wales.

One picture shows the couple smiling in a suit and dress and the other sees the prince embracing his fiancee.

Mr Testino said the couple, who will marry on 29 April next year, were "brimming with happiness".

The images were chosen by the couple, both 28, following a photoshoot last month about a week after they had announced their engagement.

The shoot was held in the council chamber of the palace's state apartment.

Family pictures

The Peruvian-born photographer, who created some of the most famous images of Diana, Prince William's late mother, said: "They are in their prime and brimming with happiness. I have never felt so much joy as when I see them together."

In the formal shot, Miss Middleton wore a white Reiss dress, Links earrings and Diana's engagement ring given to her by the prince.

He was dressed in a dark Turnbull and Asser suit, with blue tie and a white shirt.

They both wore jeans in the more casual pose, with William in a shirt and Cucinelli jumper and his fiancee in a white Whistles blouse.

Prince William, his brother - Prince Harry - and their father - Prince Charles - have all posed for Mr Testino in the past to commemorate family milestones.

He photographed William on his 21st birthday in 2003 and for Harry's 20th birthday a year later, the royal brothers were photographed joking with their father.

Prince Charles posed for a Mr Testino portrait in 2001 and again five years later to mark his first wedding anniversary to the Duchess of Cornwall.

The royal wedding day next year has been declared a national bank holiday.