Royal Collection
The Duchess of Cambridge's stunning Alexander McQueen wedding dress is on display in Buckingham Palace's Ballroom, as part of the annual Summer Exhibition, until 3 October 2011.
The Queen described the headless mannequin as "horrid" when the Duchess and HRH had a sneak preview of the exhibition.
The Royal Collections Curator, Caroline De Guitaut, tells the Royal Channel that the exhibition includes a film on the design process, the inspiration and how the wedding dress was assembled.
Alexander McQueen worked closely with the Royal School of Needlework who produced the lace for the wedding dress, the veil and matching bridal shoes. The wedding dress was designed by Sarah Burton, who wanted the dress to "look to the past, yet look to the future as well". De Guitaut described the exhibition as the hisstory of "Great British design" and it was "very fitting" it was displayed where the royal wedding reception took place.
Queen Elizabeth lent the Duchess the "Halo" tiara especially for the occasion. The tiara was originally purchased by George VI in 1936 from Cartier for Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
The exhibition includes a replica of the Duchess's bridal bouquet by Shane Connolly. William and Kate's multi-tiered wedding cake will be recreated and displayed in the State Dining Room. The cake's creator, Fiona Cairns, said the royal couple wanted a "very rich, dark traditional fruitcake."
Monaco's History of the Royal Wedding Exhibition
Media reports claimed the wedding between Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene started badly, despite the lavish three day celebrations attended by European royalty, heads of state and celebrities. Images of a tearful Princess Charlene appeared in television news bulletins suggesting all was not well. Further reports claim Prince Albert plans to sue French magazine, L'Express, for misleading reports that his future bride had tried to flee to South Africa.
Nevertheless, over 100,000 visitors visited the Exposition L'Histoire Du Marriage Princier in Monaco since 10 July to relive the magic and excitement of the recent royal wedding. Curator Stéphane Bern said, "The marriage of Prince Albert II of Monaco and Miss Charlene Wittstock is very important, as with all Monaco, probably because it opens a new chapter of history and happines with a promise future for the dynastic continuity of the Grimaldi family." The exhibition includes Princess Charlene's exquisite Georgio Armani wedding gown, the Lexus hybrid Marriage car, and the fabulous "Océan" tiara - a gift from Prince Albert for his bride.
Visitors can relive the magic and excitement until 22 November 2011 at the Musée océanographique de Monaco.
Whilst in Monaco, check out the Magnificence and Grandeur of Europe's Courts at the Grimaldi Forum before 11 September.
Sources
AFP - Monaco royals suing over break-up rumours: lawyer
BBC - Kate Middleton's bridal dress designed by Sarah Burton
BBC - Monaco celebrates Prince Albert's lavish wedding gala
International Business Times - Monaco Royal Couple's Wedding Dress on Display
NineMSN - Bride teary at Monaco's royal wedding
NineMSN - Monaco's three-day royal wedding kicks off
NineMSN - Monaco royals deny 'runaway bride' rumours
NineMSN - Monaco royals suing over break-up rumours
The Australian - Duchess of Cambridge's dress on display as part palace royal wedding exhibition
The Sunday Telegraph - They lived unhappily ever after
The Sydney Morning Herald - Kate Middleton mannequin 'horrid': Queen
Carolyn M Cash - Carolyn M Cash is a freelance writer residing in the Sutherland Shire (aka God's Own Country), Sydney, Australia, whilst studying ...
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