Prince William Princess Catherine Greet President & Mrs. Obama At Buckingham Palace

When Wills & Kate met Barry & Shelly: Royal Newlyweds Prince William and his wife, Princess Kate, are back at home after their 10-day honeymoon in the Seychelles Island, and their first order of business as a married couple included hobnobbing with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle. The fashionable foursome met at Buckingham Palace as part of a two-day state trip to the United Kingdom at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II.

It’s been a whirlwind tour featuring many American designers for the First Lady’s appearances across the pond. Mrs. O came clad in a gray floral print Barbara Tfank dress with full skirt paired with a pink satin bolero jacket, which she pinned with a trademark jewel brooch. She wore a Peter Som black and white Openwork Lace Sheath from the Fall/Winter 2011 collection to meet with the President of Ireland in Dublin on Monday. Later that same day, she also wore a Marc Jacobs print dress from the designer’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection.

The waify princess — You know we’re supposed to be calling her Catherine now, right? — wore the Reiss “Shola” dress to greet Barack and Michelle Obama at Buckingham Palace on their three day visit to London. The sophisticated British brand sells the dress for $340. The fashion house’s website crashed earlier today from the sheer demand for the dress. Kate, er, we mean Catherine, also notably wore Reiss for her official engagement portrait with Prince William.

Kate and Pippa Middleton Rivals

Princess Diana’s biographer, Andrew Morton, the author of the bestseller The Chronicles of Princess Diana is going to create a new book which unveils the secret life of the British royal family. Particular attention of the writer is going to be given to Catherine, the spouse of Prince William of Wales, and her family. In a new biography, the writer recalls some anecdotes from the life of the Windsors, and does not forget to pay attention to Philippa Middleton, who has charmed the whole Britain since her elder sister’s wedding.

According to Andrew Morton, Catherine and her younger sister Pippa have always been rivals, and it is a completely natural situation between the sisters whose difference in age is just a few years. That is why during the wedding of her sister, Pippa managed to show herself in all her beauty, even though she was not determined to spoil Catherine’s holiday. Andrew Morton notes that it is extremely interesting to observe the evolution of Pippa and James Middleton after they have become famous due to their elder sister. Such type of popularity is much more difficult to cope with.

According to the writer, everyone would like Pippa and Prince Harry to fall in love, and a Hollywood-like ending would not be exceptional for the Middletons because Catherine’s grandfather Peter and his brother got married with sisters. Meanwhile, some sources which are closely related to Philippa Middleton report that the girl has a difficult time going through the popularity which has burdened her, and the intrusive paparazzi just do not let her make a step without being noticed and excitedly look for some hot facts in her biography. Life of the beautiful Pippa has literally turned into hell.

Anna Kournikova Joining “The Biggest Loser

We hear tennis ace Anna Kournikova is putting down her racket and picking up a bull horn to whip overweight reality stars into shape on the next season of NBC’s The Biggest Loser.

The towhead sportswoman is expected to replace hardnosed trainer Jillian Michaels on the judges’ panel this fall. Michaels is leaving Loser after 11 season to focus on starting a family; she’s in the process of adopting a child from overseas. Kournikova would join new judges Cara Castronuova and Brett Hoebel, who have already been announced as part of the new team. Kournikova made a guest appearance on the program last October. NBC heads are staying mum for now, but the network is expected to make the formal announcement about Anna’s future with the show during The Biggest Loser season finale, Tuesday, May 24 @ 8 PM ET on NBC.

The tennis player was just 15 when she made her debut at the 1996 US Open. A pinup favorite, Anna was voted ESPN’s “Hottest Female Athlete.”

Anna, who turns 30 on June 7, has been dating singer Enrique Iglesias for eight years.

Pippa Middleton’s Fitness

Philippa Middleton has always been very good-looking from behind, but the Royal Wedding, where she sported a figure-hugging Alexander McQueen dress, brought her shapely posterior sharply into focus. As accolades are piling up, 27-year-old Pippa is ready to share her fitness preferences.

The Pilates method is what she attributes her enviable pelvic shape to. For her Pilates has become an essential part of life, a “necessity” that helps her keep up her lifestyle.

Her recommendation is to be found on her fitness center’s website, where Pippa wrote that in Pilates she had found not only a welcome psychological relaxation from her busy London life that keeps her perfectly calm and fresh, but also a source of physical energy that helps her control breathing, stay toned up and supple. Now she knows how to stay fit “whether it’s 7am in the morning or 7pm at night.”

She went on to say that she had achieved a noticeable difference in her “core strength and posture” in the course of several months and finished with a word of high praise for her instructor Margot.

Considering a significant increase in the demand for bottom-lifting surgeries registered now in the UK, that may be a timely advice for a lot of women.

P-Middy is being tentatively acclaimed as Jennifer Lopez’s successor for a shapely behind, and while experts can agree or disagree with that, a less objective set of professionals hurry to capitalize on it. It is said that Vivid Entertainment, an adult entertainment company, is ready to stump up £3 million to get the star of the Royal Wedding feature in a porn movie.

William and Kate Middleton Honeymoon

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, TRH William and Kate Middleton, have embarked on their honeymoon, according to Palace sources.

William is believed to have taken two weeks leave of absence from RAF Valley, Anglesey, where he is posted as a search and rescue pilot.

The couple's honeymoon destination hasn't been revealed.

"The couple have asked for their privacy to be respected during their honeymoon," a palace spokesman said

William and Kate wed on April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey in London.

On April 30, the couple was seen boarding a helicopter, attired in casuals, for a private weekend at an undisclosed location in the UK.

William then rejoined duty and the couple has since spent their time like any other RAF couple, with Kate once being spotted shopping for groceries, accompanied by just her security detail.

British tabloids speculate the newlyweds are honeymooning in the Seychelles.

Simon Cowell Paula Abdul Back Together Again

Reunited and it smells so bad! Paula Abdul is rejoining frenemy Simon Cowell on the talent show circuit. The ditzy ’80s pop star behind hits like “Straight Up” And “Rush Rush” will appear alongside Cowell, music mogul Antonio “LA” Reid, and British pop tart Cheryl Cole at the judges’ table when The X Factor America debuts on FOX in September.

Abdul’s participation reunites her with fellow judge Simon Cowell, her former sparring partner on the American Idol judging panel. The announcement comes just months after the ex-Idol pundit was “devastated” to learn that her shortlived CBS reality dance series, Live to Dance, had been axed after just one season. There had been rumors that Abdul’s development deal with CBS would keep her off the Factor panel, but Abdul was on hand for Sunday’s taping of the first judging session in Los Angeles. A CBS source, who spoke to The Associated Press under condition of anonymity, said that Abdul has been excused from any additional obligations with the network.

The X Factor USA — hosted by Steve Jones and Nicole Scherzinger — is open to solo singers and vocal groups from 12 to 100. The winning act will receive a cash prize of $5 million and a recording contract — its the biggest talent show bundle in the history of American television, says Cowell, who created the show.

Steve Jones Nicole Scherzinger “The X Factor” Hosts

It’s official: FOX has confirmed that Pussycat Dolls frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger and British TV personality Steve Jones have been tipped to host the hotly-awaited US adaptation of The X Factor, premiering this fall.

The deal to bring Jones aboard was finalized late Saturday night, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Jones reportedly was down to the wire competing for The X Factor job against High School Musical star Corbin Bleu and Latin superstar Enrique Iglesias. Though he’s relatively unknown Stateside, Jones is a live TV show host across the pond and his lent his talents to T4, a popular UK music series and As Seen on TV, a BBC One celebrity panel quiz show. Of course, it’s worth mentioning that no one had any idea who Ryan Seacrest was when he was tapped to emcee American Idol back in 2002. The Welsh-born celeb, 34, is also a former model.

Serving as judges on the show will be Simon Cowell, Antonio “LA” Reid, and Cheryl Cole, another little-unknown transplant from England. Cole is member of the British pop girl band Girls Aloud and a big star at home, where she has been a judge on the UK version of X Factor. Paula Abdul is also in talks to join the show as a judge as a fourth judge, but red tape surrounding her deal with CBS (where she hosted the reportedly-cancelled Live to Dance earlier this year) could torpedo the deal.

The X Factor, offering a $5 million prize and a recording contract for the winner, debuts on FOX this September.

Pics Prince William Princess Kate California Trip Confirmed

Egads! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are going to Hollywood!

Britain’s Prince William and his new bride Catherine will visit California in July as part of their first foreign trip as newlyweds. The Royals will be in the state for three days beginning July 8, right after their weeklong tour of Canada, William’s Office said Thursday. The Duke and Duchess are planning stops on Ottawa, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Alberta and the Northwest Territories, including a trip to the Arctic, upon arrival in Canada on June 30.

“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit California, United States of America, following their tour of Canada in July this year,” read the statement from the prince’s official London residence, St James’s Palace. “The couple will visit the state of California from 8th July to 10th July 2011. A detailed itinerary will be published at a later date.”

Whispers that Wills and Kate may be headed Stateside first surfaced on Tuesday. Famed Princess Diana biographer Andrew Morton cited unknown sources who said the couple would be headed to Hollywood “in late June or early July.”

It will be William’s first official trip to our lovely United States and Kate’s first Stateside visit ever. Los Angeles is the home of Royal Wedding attendees David and Victoria Beckham and the supercouple is expected to play a role in the newlyweds’ trip.

100 Sexiest Women In The World 2011 FHM

Men’s magazine FHM unveiled its annual 100 Sexiest Women In The World poll .For while Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was voted the World’s Sexiest Woman for the first time ever – knocking Cheryl Cole from the title she’s held for the past two years – she was otherwise indisposed and unable to collect her title at the London do.

In fact, it looked like not one name from even the Top 30 list of lad’s mag lovelies, as voted for by their readers, had turned up at the bash, held at the One Marylebone club. Also in attendance was FHM’s latest pin-up, The Only Way Is Essex star Amy Childs, who yesterday spoke of her delight of stripping to her scanties for her debut in the pages of the monthly men’s glossy.

The guest list last night was also graced by John Terry’s former lover Vanessa Perroncel, Strictly star and former boxer Joe Calzaghe and X Factor loser Shanye Ward.
Also there was Daybreak weather girl Lucy Verasamy, former Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon, models Olivia Inge and Laura Budd and Emmerdale star Adele Silva.
In the poll which was unveiled last night, Huntington-Whiteley was the winner of the poll of the magazine’s readers, winning the coveted Sexiest Woman in the World crown, just days after landing a similar title from Maxim magazine.
However, the 24-year-old model-turned-Transformers-actress was in New York last night, where she had attended the Met Gala the night before.She lives in Los Angeles with actor boyfriend and FHM hero Jason Statham

The allure seems to have rubbed off from The Saturdays star Frankie Sandford since she started dating footballer Wayne Bridge, as she’s dropped out of the Top 10.
Other Brits to win the title in the poll’s 17-year history include Keira Knightley in 2006 and Kelly Brook in 2005.
This year, Katy Perry takes second place, knocking former 2008 champion Megan Fox back into fourth.
Fellow pop princess Rihanna also rocketed up the ranking, climbing 40 places to third. It’s the first time either star has made the top ten.
This year’s Top 10 also sees new entries from Just Go With It actress Brooklyn Decker at number six and footballer Cristiano Ronaldo’s Russian model girlfriend Irina Shayk at 10.
New mother Abbey Clancy drops out from 10 down to 28.
And newlywed Kate Middleton enjoyed a massive surge of popularity this year. The Duchess entered the list previously with a number 25 ranking in 2007.
This year, the only royal represented in the list re-enters at 39.

Pippa Middleton Dancing In Bra

Royal sister-in-law Pippa Middleton, whose butt has its own Facebook fan page, has fallen under the media microscope after photos of her dancing — in her bra with a man — surfaced on Wednesday. For those not keeping count, Princess Kate Middleton’s brother, James, has a wee bit of an exposed bum scandal on his hands as well. On Wednesday, old pictures of the cheeky lad showing off his cheeks also emerged online.

Selena Gomez Much Music Video Awards Host 2011

Teen starlet Selena Gomez will host this year’s MuchMusic Video Awards (MMVAs) in Toronto.

The Wizards of Waverly Place actress will emcee the June 19 ceremony, featuring a live performance by “Judas” singer Lady Gaga, organizers said Tuesday.

“Selena Gomez is a bona fide star,” says Sheila Sullivan, executive producer of the awards show. “Her films and TV show ['Wizards of Waverly Place'] are seen around the world and her songs are topping the charts. Now she brings her signature smile to the MMVAs stage where her fans are guaranteed to welcome her to the most exciting and loudest award show on Earth … . Don’t worry Selena, we supply earplugs.”

Gomez is “thrilled” to be making her first trip to the MMVAs.

“I am thrilled and honored to host the MuchMusic Video Awards. I look forward to seeing all my Canadian fans and kicking off the summer together.”

The 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards will air live on MuchMusic in Canada and Fuse in the United States. Additional lineup announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

No Royal Wedding For Prince Harry Chelsy Davy

After watching Prince William and Kate Middleton’s fairytale wedding last week, lots of Celeb Watchers were wondering if Prince Harry and his girlfriend Chelsy Davy would be next.

Don’t hold your breath!

Tattles say that though Chelsy was Harry’s date at his brother William’s big day last Friday, a second royal wedding with the South African blonde is definitely not going to happen. The Zimbabwean-born beauty recently moved back to London to give her five-year on-again/off-again relationship with Harry another chance, but with plans to begin work at a local law firm in the coming weeks, she in no rush to become a Windsor.

“There’s no way we are getting married. It’s not a life for me,” 26-year-old Chelsy told friends, according to Britain’s Daily Mail. “Chelsy thought the wedding was wonderful and she had a ball, but there’s no way marriage is on the cards for her,” says a friend. “She wants her freedom and to start a career. That’s her focus at the moment, she and Harry are going to see how things go….She has watched what Kate has gone through and how much she has had to sacrifice, and says it’s not for her.”

That’s not to say that Harry hasn’t given it a crack though.

“Harry adores Chelsy and really wants things to work. He has brought up marriage in the past – usually when he’s drunk – but Chelsy’s the one to quickly play it all down…”

And if you’re one of the Royal Gawkers with your fingers and toes crossed for a royal wedding between Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton, the sister of his new sister-in-law, Kate, celebrity spies say “Keep Dreaming!”

The Maid Of Honor’s friendly flirting with Best Man Harry got everyone talking about a possible royal romance. In fact, a Facebook group campaigning for a Harry-Chelsy pairing has amassed thousands of fans. Too bad for them that Pippa’s actually already all loved-up with her cricket player boyfriend Alex Loudon, 30.

“Alex thinks it’s hilarious that suddenly the world has discovered Pippa,” a friend tells the Daily Star. “He’s madly in love with her and there’s no doubt that he wants to make her his wife. Of course he was never going to do anything about it while she was helping Kate arrange her wedding. But when the dust has settled, it’ll be Pippa’s turn in the spotlight.”

Pippa, 27 — a successful party planner across the pond — has been dating Alex for a yea

Prince Harry's Best Man Speech Heart Warming and Hilarious

Prince Harry's speech as best man during William and Kate Middleton's wedding reception was short, sweet and hilarious.

He delivered the speech standing on top of a table wearing a Moroccan fez hat, kept it short, and deftly mixed levity with endearing emotion.

"Our mother would be so very proud of you," he told William causing his elder brother's eyes, and those of many others amidst the 350 guests, to tear up.

"The entire room burst into applause," a guest told the News of the World (NOTW).

Harry addressed the newly weds as "Dude and Duchess" and alluded to his elder brother's receding hair line saying he felt sorry for Kate marrying a "bald man."

Harry and his on-again, off-again girlfriend Chelsy Davy were reportedly the 'life and soul' of the bash. Once the celebrations got underway, Harry was his unrestrained self; he unbuttoned his shirt and was "dancing on windowsills and stage-diving into crowds of revelers," says the NOTW source.

At one point, Harry is reported to have put his arm around Chelsy and told her, "You're next."

Besides Harry, Kate's father, Michael Middleton, also addressed the guests, perfectly blending propriety with levity.

"Today was everything I had hoped for and I'm thrilled that equality ruled the day," he said. "Everybody appears as equal and our two families joining-together has been an easy process. I thank the Royal Family for welcoming us as easily as they have."

Recalling William's courtship of his daughter Kate, Michael said, "I knew things were getting serious when I found a helicopter in my garden. I thought, gosh, he must like my daughter."

The reception had all the strapping of a club bash - DJ, sound system, glitter-ball and blue ultra-violet lighting. It was held at the Palace's 118ft Ballroom and two adjacent state room, starting 8pm.

Prince Charles and Camilla, and Kate's parents Michael and Carole, left immediately after the first dance, "leaving the ­youngsters to it".

Prince Harry Flirts with Girlfriend

Prince Harry switched on to his flirty best when he leaned over to whisper to his new sister-in-law Pippa Middleton about how beautiful she looked at the royal wedding.

“You do look very beautiful today – seriously,” he told her.

The dazzled best man, 26, voiced the nation's thoughts as he led Kate's radiant chief bridesmaid back up the aisle after their siblings' vows, reports the Sun.

Later the pair seemed to make a perfect couple themselves, as they stood side-by-side on the balcony of Buckingham Palace gazing down on the ecstatic crowds.

It also got many tongues wagging with suggestions that the pair looked such a good match that they might be the next royal romance.

Incidentally, Harry's on and off flame Chelsy Davy was also there.

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan jokingly took to Twitter to urge: "Make a move this afternoon, Harry."

Comedienne Katy Brand wrote: "Harry and Pippa whispering dirty, flirty little asides to each other."

Unluckily for Harry, she is seeing former England cricketer Alex Loudon.

William Kate Middleton Wedding Watched By 23 Million Americans 3 Billion Worldwide

Approximately 23 million people across American tuned in to watch Prince William, the eldest son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, marry Kate Middleton, the daughter of self-made millionaires on Friday, according to data obtained by Nielsen Co.

To put that number in prospective, the inauguration of President Obama drew about 38 million viewers and the 2011 Super Bowl drew 111 million viewers. Coverage was carried live from on 11 US news networks, beginning as early as 4 AM. Among the broadcast and cable networks carrying the wedding broadcast live: ABC, CBS, NBC, Telemundo, Univision, BBC American, CNN, E!, FOX News Channel, MSNBC, and TLC. The TV Guide Network even enlisted foul-mouthed funnygal Kathy Griffin to host a royal-themed comedy special about the events of the day.

A total of 3 billion people worldwide watched Wills and Kate become the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Viewers all over the world held parties and special events in honor of the festivities, with some fans staying up all night to celebrate in local bars. The nups became one of the most-watched TV broadcasts in the UK, with more than 24 million viewers tuning in. Our friends to the North, it seems, were just a little less interested. Only about 38% of Canadians (or 12 million people) watched some portion of Friday’s Royal Wedding.

Rihanna Delightfully Flirty at Reb'l Fleur Fragrance Launch

Rihanna looked a stunner in an ivory polka dot figure hugging Mandalay dress at an event to plug her Reb'l Fleur Fragrance at Macy's Herald Square in NYC on April 29.

The flirty short dress had a revealing neckline, black lace shoulder straps and ruching at the skirt. A black satin sash and a cascading side panel added to the fun detailing of the dress.

The 23-year-old accessorized with nude Christian Louboutin pointy pumps and gold jewelry - oversized hoop earrings and a cuff in her right arm.

Her ultra feminine hairdo stole the show. She tied her red hair in a sleek high knot with middle parted bangs framing her face.

Rihanna walked the red carpet in a similar updo at DKMS' 5th Annual Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City the previous evening. The singer was honored in recognition of her help to leukemia sufferers in finding bone marrow donors.

Rihanna was surprised with the kind of response she got at the Macy's.

"This shit looks like a parade... MACY's" she tweeted as she arrived at the venue in the afternoon.

She thanked everyone after the event.

"Thanx to all my lovers for showing #MAJAH support @ Macy's today #RebLFleur it was a huge success thanks to u and the hard working staff!"

The fragrance title Reb'l Fleur is inspired by one of Rihanna's nearly 14 tattoos. She has the French words "Rebelle Fleur" written on the left side of her neck that she got inked in the fall of 2010. The phrase means a rebel flower.

Prince Harry's Best Man Speech Heart Warming and Hilarious

Prince Harry's speech as best man during William and Kate Middleton's wedding reception was short, sweet and hilarious.

He delivered the speech standing on top of a table wearing a Moroccan fez hat, kept it short, and deftly mixed levity with endearing emotion.

"Our mother would be so very proud of you," he told William causing his elder brother's eyes, and those of many others amidst the 350 guests, to tear up.

"The entire room burst into applause," a guest told the News of the World (NOTW).

Harry addressed the newly weds as "Dude and Duchess" and alluded to his elder brother's receding hair line saying he felt sorry for Kate marrying a "bald man."

Harry and his on-again, off-again girlfriend Chelsy Davy were reportedly the 'life and soul' of the bash. Once the celebrations got underway, Harry was his unrestrained self; he unbuttoned his shirt and was "dancing on windowsills and stage-diving into crowds of revelers," says the NOTW source.

At one point, Harry is reported to have put his arm around Chelsy and told her, "You're next."

Besides Harry, Kate's father, Michael Middleton, also addressed the guests, perfectly blending propriety with levity.

"Today was everything I had hoped for and I'm thrilled that equality ruled the day," he said. "Everybody appears as equal and our two families joining-together has been an easy process. I thank the Royal Family for welcoming us as easily as they have."

Recalling William's courtship of his daughter Kate, Michael said, "I knew things were getting serious when I found a helicopter in my garden. I thought, gosh, he must like my daughter."

The reception had all the strapping of a club bash - DJ, sound system, glitter-ball and blue ultra-violet lighting. It was held at the Palace's 118ft Ballroom and two adjacent state room, starting 8pm.

Prince Charles and Camilla, and Kate's parents Michael and Carole, left immediately after the first dance, "leaving the ­youngsters to it".

Prince William Princess Catherine Royal Wedding Pictures

Prince William and Princess Catherine’s captivating Royal Wedding were released by St. James Palace as the newlyweds boarded a plane and embarked on their top secret honeymoon on Saturday.

The marriage of the second in line to the British throne was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury and was attended by 1900 guests, including foreign Royal family members and heads of state. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have also flocked to London to witness the spectacle and pageantry of the Royal Wedding.

The wedding pictures show a happy couple — now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge — surrounded by their family on their big day, taken in The Throne Room of Buckingham Palace immediately after the bride and groom’s union at nearby Westminster Abbey. One snaps shows just Wills and Kate. A second features the pair with their bridesmaids and pageboys. The final image adds the proud parents – Prince Charles and his wife Camilla and Michael and Carole Middleton; also featured are Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, best man Prince Harry, Pippa, Kate’s kid sister and her maid of honor, and James Middleton, their brother.

The Royal Wedding pictures were taken by Hugo Burnand. The Royal Family took the wedding photographs when Charles and Camilla married in 2005. He also snapped pics of Charles when the Prince of Wales turned 60 three years ago.

No Honeymoon For TRH William and Catherine Middleton

TRH William and Catherine Middleton, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will not immediately go on a honeymoon, but will instead spend the weekend privately in the UK.

On Saturday, April 30, the couple was seen boarding a helicopter, attired in casuals.

Starting next week, the Duke will return to RAF Valley on Anglesey to resume duties as Search and Rescue pilot.

Later, the couple will embark on a honeymoon abroad.

Neither the location of their private weekend, nor their honeymoon is being revealed and the couple have asked that their privacy be respected during the coming weekend and during their honeymoon.

Prince William & Princess Kate Middleton First Kisses

Were you up in time to catch the Royal Wedding? Princess Kate Middleton became the Duchess of Cambridge Friday as the world watched her tie the knot with Britain’s Prince William in a traditional ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey. Wearing a stunnng ivory gown, complete with dipped neckline, the Duchess shared not one—but two—kisses with her Duke on the balcony of Buckingham Palace shortly after the conclusion of the 11 AM wedding ceremony.

Now on to the dress! Kate selected a design by Sarah Burton, protege of late fashionisto Alexander McQueen, for her big day. The dress is made of ivory and white satin gazar with lace applique floral detail, insiders say. In a statement Friday, St James’s Palace said McQueen was chosen for the “beauty of its craftsmanship” and its “respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing”.

Burton, creative director of McQueen, says crafting the royal wedding gown has been the highlight of her career.

“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. It was such an incredible honour to be asked, and I am so proud of what we and the Alexander McQueen team have created.”

Kate worked closely with Burton to design the frock, which looks shockingly similar to the one actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly wore when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco back in 1956.