Engagement pictures of William, Kate released

(CNN) -- The upcoming nuptials of Prince William and his fiancee, Kate Middleton, became even more official Saturday, with the release of a pair of engagement photographs.

The pictures, sent by Prince William's press office and distributed by the Press Association, came out several months ahead of the April 29, 2011, wedding at London's Westminster Abbey.

The prince proposed to Middleton, whom he had dated for much of the past eight years, on October 20 in a remote spot 10,200 feet (3,100 meters) above sea level on Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest peak.

Photographer Mario Testino took the engagement pictures, among others, on November 25 at St. James' Palace in London.

"They are in their prime and brimming with happiness," Testino said. "I have never felt so much joy as when I see them together."

The wedding day will be a national holiday, Prime Minister David Cameron has said, though Scottish lawmakers still must approve the measure because Scotland has its own semi-autonomous government.

Sir Elton John -- a favorite of William's mother, the late Princess Diana -- has revealed that he may perform at the wedding. And rapper Snoop Dogg recenty released a song that he said would be perfect for the prince's bachelor party.