This article titled “It’s not just Harry and Meghan. We’re all Hollywood now…” was written by Barbara Ellen, for The Observer on Sunday 24th December 2017 05.35 Asia/Kolkata

There’s been much excitement over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s “Hollywood” engagement photos. Celebrity photographer Alexi Lubomirski took the snaps and Markle wore a rather expensive (£56K!) Ralph and Russo gown and, in an extra shot, sported a jumper rumoured to be from the part of Victoria Beckham’s clothing range, where women are allowed to retain all of their ribs. Harry also wore something, not that anybody cared.

Continuing the “Hollywood” theme, the couple smouldered at each other with what continues to be politely described as “chemistry”, flouting the ancient bylaw that royal couples must gaze upon each other as though they’d secretly prefer to be petting an old corgi or, as with William and Kate, had just been formally introduced at a Boden fashion shoot. It’s all lovely, but I’m not convinced by this Hollywood talk. On social media, it’s pretty much the house style for couple-selfies. Nearly every couple you see is glowing, simpering and steaming up the cameras, in gorgeous locations, using flattering filters. Take away Meghan’s expensive frock and these photos fit in fine with general British couple-selfie culture. In photos at least, everyone’s gone a bit Hollywood.

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