Kate Middleton arrived at Westminster Abbey for her wedding to Prince William on Friday in a stunning dress designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen.
Made from ivory and white satin gazar, and adorned with hand-cut English and French Chantilly lace, the outfit featured an almost nine-foot flowing train and a dazzling tiara.
Flowers hand-cut from lace and worked onto ivory silk tulle incorporated a rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock.
The veil was held in place by a Cartier “halo” tiara, lent to Middleton by Queen Elizabeth II.
Sarah Burton said it was an honor to design such a historic dress, adding that the bride looked “absolutely stunning.”
“It has been the experience of a lifetime to work with Catherine Middleton to create her wedding dress, and I have enjoyed every moment of it,” she said.
The dress was kept a closely guarded secret as Kate wanted to surprise Prince William.
Bukingham Palace said Middleton chose British brand Alexander McQueen for the beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship.
“Miss Middleton wished for her dress to combine tradition and modernity with the artistic vision that characterizes Alexander McQueen’s work,” the Palace said. “Miss Middleton worked closely with Sarah Burton in formulating the design of her dress.”
Kate Middleton’s shoes were also McQueen.
Britain’s Prince William and Kate Middleton were married at Westminster Abbey at 11:00 local time on Friday in the presence of 1,900 guests, and watched on TV by an estimated two billion viewers, in what many say will be remembered as the wedding of the century.
LONDON, April 29 (RIA Novosti)