The day has finally arrived! The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middelton had the world enthralled this morning from the palpable energy of the crowds outside of Westminster Abbey, through the streets of London, to the millions around the world watching sitting in front of their TV’s at home.
As I sat and watched the proceeding starting in the wee hours it took me back to 1981 when I watched the nineteen year old Diana marry the then thirty-something Charles. It was a historical moment and one I will never forget, from Diana getting Charles’ name wrong in her vows to the enormous train that cascaded up the steps of the cathedral.
The guest list for this once in a lifetime event was of course a veritable who’s who of London along with dignitaries and celebrities from throughout the world. This time the world is a far different place than it was when Diana and Charles wed as evidenced from vast difference of old and new England represented in the crowd.
Of the guests attire, most notably gorgeous were the “It” couple David and Victoria Beckham. Beck’s sported a Ralph Lauren morning suit, while Victoria wore a navy dress of her own design with a stunning Phillip Treacy fascinator hat that featured a onyx jeweled brooch and twig mimicking a nest and branch.
And though it doesn’t translate on film, and there were so many other standouts one of my favorites hands down was the ensemble of Tara Palmer Thompkinson who showed off her newly reconstructed nose and her gorgeous royal blue satin fascinator and dress.
Another standout was the wife of Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg – Miriam Gonzales who wore a bright red flower hat tipped forward on her head with a more neutral black and cream dress. A chic nod has to go out to Catherine Middelton the Bride’s mother who wore a sophisticated cream dress with a pale blue- gray tailored jacket and bonnet.
As for Kate I think she fulfilled every wish for a Princess that we all hoped for. Her Sarah Burton designed dress combined the classic elegance of days gone by (reminiscent of Grace Kelly’s dress when she wed the Prince of Monaco) with a modern feeling. The lace V-neck overlay topped a fitted bodice into a cascading sleek satin skirt. This was paired with a tiara and scalloped lace trimmed veil.
The makeup and hair were sheer perfection. Fresh and flawless makeup with a pop of pink on the cheeks and sheer pink lipstick paired with neutral gray shadow and black liner. And I was delighted to see that Kate’s hair was still soft and pretty even though it was in a formal half up and half down style.
And of course I can’t leave out Pippa the Brides sister. Her dress may have actually been my favorite. Another McQueen creation by Sarah B, it was sleek and stunning like liquid silk. Sure to be copied by scads of designers in the months and years to come.
