It was the best kept secret in fashion. Now Kate Middleton's wedding dress, one of the most talked about outfits of the decade, will go on public display this summer at Buckingham Palace, officials said on Monday.
The Royal Collection said the dazzling intricate gown created by Sarah Burton for the Alexander McQueen label will be shown for the annual opening of the palace between July 23 and October 3.
The gown with a 2.7 metre-long train features a handmade lace applique over an ivory-coloured bodice and skirt, made of silk and satin.
The shape of the skirt, with arches and pleats, is inspired by an opening flower design, and the ivory satin bodice, narrowed at the waist and padded at the hips, draws on the Victorian style -- a hallmark of McQueen's workmanship.
The identity of the designer and details of the dress were kept a closely guarded secret throughout the build-up to Middleton's wedding to Britain's Prince William.
A special marquee was erected outside the entrance to Middleton's London hotel to prevent anyone getting an early glimpse of the dress before she stepped from her car outside Westminster Abbey on April 29th.
Handmade McQeeen wedding shoes worn by Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge, Robinson Pelham diamond earrings and an ivory silk-tulle veil, Cartier "halo" tiara -- a loan from Queen Elizabeth -- will form part of the display.
William and Kate's multi-tiered wedding cake created by cake designer Fiona Cairns will also be shown in the State Dining Room. The traditional fruit cake was handmade using British ingredients and decorated with sugar flowers. (Reporting by Stefano Ambrogi, Editing by Paul Casciato)