Kensington Palace has released the first official royal wedding photos from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s big day, as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle thanked the well-wishers who took part in their marriage celebrations.

The portraits, taken by celebrity and fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski, capture the newlyweds’ first moments as a married couple in three striking photographs.

In one of the images, the couple are shown in a black and white romantic pose on the east terrace of Windsor Castle still basking in the excitement of their wedding.

The Duke and Duchess would like to thank everyone who took part in the celebrations of their Wedding.

They feel so lucky to have been able to share their day with all those gathered in Windsor and those who watched on television across the UK, Commonwealth, and around the world. pic.twitter.com/RSa9ukqxLF

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 21, 2018

In another image, Harry and Meghan are pictured with Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the bride’s mother Doria Ragland and the young bridesmaids and pageboys, including Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

The final image shows the duke and duchess with the young children again, who were an integral part of their big day.

Harry and Meghan said they were “delighted” with the photographs, and felt “so lucky” to have shared their big day with the thousands gathered in Windsor.

“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex would like to thank everyone who took part in the celebrations of their wedding on Saturday,” a statement from Kensington Palace said.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with the Bridesmaids and Page Boys, taken by photographer Alexi Lubomirski in the Green Drawing Room of Windsor Castle. #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/nFaPQSIzVl

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 21, 2018

“They feel so lucky to have been able to share their day with all those gathered in Windsor and also all those who watched the wedding on television across the UK, Commonwealth and around the world,” the palace said.

“Their Royal Highnesses are delighted with these official portraits taken by Alexi Lubomirski and are happy to be able to share them today.

“They would also like to say thank you for all of the generous messages of support they have received.”

Photographer Lubomirski, who also took the couple’s official engagement pictures, said: “It has been an incredible honour and privilege to document The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s inspiring journey of love, hope and family; from the engagement photos, all the way through to the official wedding and family portraits on Saturday.

“This has been a beautiful chapter in my career and life, that I will happily never forget.”

-with AAP