Beyonce Knowles has spoken out about her romance with new husband Jay-Z, insisting their love is for real.

The usually guarded newlywed hasn't even confirmed the fact she's Mrs. Shawn Carter yet - after wedding the rapper in April - but now she's talking about her feelings for him in the new issue of Essence magazine.

She says, "What Jay and I have is real. It's not about the interviews or getting the right photo op. It's real."

The couple filed their wedding license on 18 April in Scarsdale, New York.