Dress of the century makes its star turn
THE most highly-anticipated dress of the century did not disappoint. Kate wore an ivory and white satin gazar and lace dress that she co-created with Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen. Her veil was held in place by a Cartier “halo” tiara, on loan from the Queen and made in 1936. The modest train stretched 2.7 metres. Her skirt, with padded hips giving way to a full skirt, was designed to emulate a blossoming flower. The lace detailing is a mixture of French Chantilly and English Cluny lace. The bride wore diamond drop earrings by London jewellers Robinson Pelham. The gold for her simple wedding band was given to Prince William by the Queen shortly after the engagement was announced. It was made by Welsh jewellers Wartski. Her duchesse satin pumps were also custom-made by Alexander McQueen.
The groom was dashing in the uniform of a Colonel of the Irish Guard: a scarlet jacket with yellow-gold buttons, a royal blue sash and a shamrock embroidered on the collar. His gold sword slings were empty. He accessorised with the wings of the Royal Air Force, which he serves, and the Golden Jubilee medal that honours 50 years of his grandmother’s reign. His Wellington mess boots, with spurs fitted to the back, were covered by scarlet trousers. The insignia of the Irish Guards on his forage cap is the eight-pointed Star of the Most Illustrious Order of St Patrick, and features the Regiment’s motto ‘Quis Separabit?’ (‘Who shall separate us?’).
