A Detailed Look At The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton’s Unforgettable Wedding Dress

One is the number of years Sarah Burton had been the artistic director at Alexander McQueen when she was commissioned to create one of the most highly anticipated wedding dresses in history. The bride, Kate Middleton, chose the British fashion house for its exquisite craftsmanship, respect for traditional techniques, and the technical construction of its garments. According to the Palace, Kate, now the Princess of Wales, desired a wedding gown that seamlessly blended tradition and modernity with the artistic vision that characterizes Alexander McQueen’s work. Burton, who had been McQueen’s trusted right-hand woman for years, was appointed as the designer’s successor after his tragic passing in 2010.

The intricate details behind the creation of Kate’s wedding dress were meticulously planned to ensure utmost precision and pristine quality. Seamstresses were required to wash their hands every 30 minutes to maintain the immaculate condition of the lace and threads. Furthermore, the needles were replaced every three hours to guarantee sharpness and cleanliness. Notably, the train of the royal bride’s dress extended an impressive nine feet behind her as she walked down the aisle. Burton’s design featured a skirt that resembled an opening flower, with white satin gazar arches and pleats that formed a train measuring two meters and 70 centimeters, or nearly nine feet in length.

The bride’s train, adorned with intricate lace appliqués using Ireland’s 19th-century Carrickmacross lace-making technique, extended an impressive nine feet in length. The back of Kate’s lace appliqué bodice featured 58 gazar and organza covered buttons, fastened by Rouleau loops, adding a touch of elegance. Her soft, ivory silk tulle veil was hand-embroidered with four motifs – the rose, the thistle, the daffodil, and the shamrock – symbolizing the four countries that make up the United Kingdom. The Queen graciously loaned the Cartier tiara, which she received as a gift on her own 18th birthday, to Kate on her wedding day, adding a regal touch to the bridal ensemble.

The Royal School of Needlework assembled a team comprising existing staff, former staff, tutors, graduates, and students, with the youngest member being 19 years old. This team worked on the highly confidential task of creating Kate’s wedding dress.

The Cartier Halo tiara, loaned to Kate by the Queen on her wedding day, features an impressive 888 diamonds.

Kate’s wedding bouquet included Sweet William, a thoughtful nod to her husband on their special day. The bouquet consisted of five different types of foliage: Lily-of-the-valley (symbolizing the return of happiness), Sweet William (representing gallantry), hyacinth (symbolizing constancy of love), ivy (representing fidelity, marriage, wedded love, friendship, and affection), and myrtle (the emblem of marriage and love).

The royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in 2011 was a grand affair steeped in tradition and symbolism. Four young flower girls – Lady Louise Windsor, Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Grace van Cutsem, and Eliza Lopes – accompanied the bride, all adorned in white dresses designed by Nicki Macfarlane. The maid of honor, Pippa Middleton, wore a dress by Alexander McQueen.

One notable tradition observed was the inclusion of myrtle in the bride’s bouquet, a practice dating back 153 years to 1858 when Princess Victoria, Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, carried it on her wedding day. The myrtle symbolizes the traditional innocence of a bride.

Kate Middleton’s choice of Alexander McQueen for her wedding gown was a nod to the British brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and respect for traditional workmanship, aligning with the royal family’s appreciation for heritage and legacy.

The iconic wedding dress worn by Kate Middleton during her royal nuptials to Prince William in 2011 was showcased at Buckingham Palace for a duration of four months following the highly anticipated ceremony. This temporary exhibition allowed the public to witness the exquisite craftsmanship and design of the dress, which had captivated audiences worldwide during the televised wedding event, further fueling the global fascination with the royal romance.