Royal Wedding Dresses

Two dresses - one day, one designer.  The now famous - yes already - creation by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen went to the top of the tree (yes one of those beautiful trees used to decorate the Abbey) with fashion police all over the world.  The simplicity of the look belied the obvious work and attention to detail that was needed to create the vision of a princess that the new Princess William has become.

Kate's second Burton outfit for the evening celebrations was a strapless white satin gazar evening gown with a circle skirt and diamante embroidered detail round the waist.  This was no less inspired than the day dress.  The full circle skirt billowed and whirled whilst she walked and the topping of a white angora bolero cardigan was just the final touch.

These dresses will be available to everyone next week but they will never be re-created to such a high degree as was seen yesterday.  The scene, the crowds, the sun, the guests, the bridesmaids and page boys, the whole creation was irreplaceable and such class will be hard to emulate.

Its not really about money and position - its about class.  The whole day was set to become a huge anti-climax if "one" was not careful.  The declaration of an extra public holiday in the UK opened the floodgates for excesses in all directions.  There was always a possibility that it would rain - but it didn't.  There was a concern (although not a real one) that "The Dress" would be an OTT "fairy princess" creation as has been seen in the past.  As I say, this was not a real concern.  It is certainly obvious that Miss Middleton, as she was, had more than a hand in the choice of design together with all the other simple touches that went to make up a truly delightful scene,

I personally, am somewhat ambivalent about our Royal Family.  However I have to say they are very useful for the tourist trade and bring in a very tidy sum of money to the country.  This flurry of weddings (with Zara Philips following on later this summer) will do the country's coffers the world of good in these rather bleak times.  And talking of rather bleak times - what a boost such a day was!  There was bunting galore, good spirits, bonhomie and generally a FGF (feelgood factor) all over the country.  Yes there were those against it but on the whole I think most people saw it for a great day out (or in front of the tv) enjoying the spring weather and the romance of two people very clearly in love.  

And today - an announcement that there will be no honeymoon for the time being - the Prince will resume his work with the Search and Rescue team next week.  Such a decision can only enhance their public profile further.

30th April - Leaving Buckingham Palace

Pippa Middleton - Royal Bridesmaid

Well I have to say - although the actual wedding dress of Kate Middleton was beautiful, elegant and understated, the dress that stole the show in my eyes was Pippa Middleton's bridesmaid dress.

Maid of honour Pippa Middleton looked absolutely stunning in an unusual and elegant dress by designer Sarah Burton.  The dress in ivory completed the dresses of the little bridesmaids and flower girls and in no way detracted from the lady of the day, Kate!

However, the stunning simplicity of the dress and fresh beauty of the younger Miss Middleton has gained her a "following".  Pundits are putting her and Harry together and online spoofs are already being shared in the social media.

For me, however gorgeous Kate's dress was, Pippa's was "the dress of the day".

Prince William and Kate Middleton to Marry in 2011

The ring worn by Lady Diana Spencer

Finally Prince William has done what all the romantics in the world have been waiting for and the beautiful Sapphire and Diamond ring of the 1980's Princess Diana is once again in the news!! Poignant memories of the very shy Lady Di are revived with the sight of the huge sapphire surrounded by diamonds that Prince Charles gave to Lady Diana Spencer in February 1981.

Prince William and Kate Middleton met at university in Scotland and have known each other for 9 years.  Although there have been a couple of hiccups along the way they have forged a solid and respected relationship.  Earlier, Prince Charles said he was "thrilled, obviously", at the news, joking: "They've been practising long enough."  Speaking about their relatively long courtship, William said: "I didn't realise it was a race, otherwise I probably would have been a lot quicker.  Miss Middleton added: "We have been going out a long time. We had spoken about our future and it just seemed the natural step for both of us."

Same ring nearly 30 years on!

So are we in for a long engagement?  Apparently not - the couple are set to marry next year in the Spring or Summer. He carried the ring around for 3 weeks whilst trying to decide on when and where to propose and the result is we are going to be treated to a Royal extravaganza next year!!

The marriage will be taking place 30 years after Williams parents.in 1981 and although expressions of "surprise" have been reported it has also been said that the couple had discussed marriage in more recent months.

This writer wonders what kind of wedding this will be.  The 1981 wedding of Williams parents was a pageant of colour, fashion, pomp and ceremony and its interesting to speculate on how a modern royal bride will attack this.  Will Kate Middleton just go all out for the "fairytale" or will style and good sense prevail for a lower key and more elegant version.  Perhaps she will not even have a say in it.  Hopefully in these times of recession too much flagrant waste of money will be deemed to be lacking in taste and sensitivity.  However, we do want some kind of spectacle don't we?  After all one has to consider the tourist trade.  If anything was designed to bring in the Americans its a Royal Wedding.

Tonight dress designers, cake makers, stationary designers and many more will not be able to sleep.  For my part - I will sleep really well.