Meghan Markle’s Glittering Couture Gown by Ralph and Russo

Meghan Markle, the bride-to-be of Prince Harry, made a statement with her dress in their engagement photos.

The 36-year-old actress wore a glittering couture gown by British label Ralph and Russo.

The handmade creation, which is estimated to cost £56,000, would have taken thousands of hours to make.

Kensington Palace confirmed that the gown was privately purchased from the Autumn Winter 16 collection.

The floor-length black tulle gown features a silk organza skirt, hand-appliqued with silk tulle ruffles, and an entirely sheer bodice decorated with intricate gold feather thread work.

Meghan's decision to wear a gown by the London-based designer for such a high-profile occasion shows her commitment to supporting British fashion in her new role as a member of the royal family.

Supporters were at first only given a glimpse of the gown's sheer bodice in the colour photograph released of Meghan and Prince Harry on the steps of Frogmore House, a private royal residence in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

However, the couple later shared a third photo, revealing the gown in all its glory.

In it, Meghan is seen clinging onto Harry's arm as they scroll through the castle grounds.

The dress's embellished bodice catches the light while the cascading tulle skirt creates a dynamic movement in the image.

Ralph and Russo is a luxurious Indi-No label for high-profile women with a love of fashion.

The label, run by Australian couple Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo, specialises in elaborate couture dresses studded with crystals, devour feathers, iridescent metallic and floor-sweeping trains.

Blake Lively, Angelina Jolie, and Meghan's dear friend Priyanka Chopra are among its many A-list fans.

All of their dresses are made by hand, which can take up to 3,000 hours.

This particular creation costs £46,650, or an estimated £56,000 with VAT.

The photographs of Meghan and Harry were taken by celebrated fashion and celebrity photographer Alexei Lobomirsky, 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 couple released the first two pictures at 11 am today before Kensington Palace put out another one at 1 pm, saying, “Thank you so much for all of the wonderful comments following the release of Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle's engagement photographs.

The couple is so grateful for the warm and generous messages they have received during such a happy time in their lives.

As a way to say thank you, they have decided to share this candid photograph from the day of their portrait sittings directly with all of you.”

This morning, an intimate black and white portrait of the newly engaged couple embracing was published alongside an endearing but more formal picture of them sat together holding hands.

While there is little doubt that Meghan's gown is a show-stopper, 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.