Kate Middleton's £250k wedding dress was overflowing with secret family tributes – photos

April 28, 2022 - 11:33 BST Nichola Murphy

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It's been eleven years since Kate Middleton exchanged vows with Prince William at Westminster Abbey, but the Duchess of Cambridge's bridal gown continues to be one of the most memorable royal wedding looks of all time.

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Made in collaboration with Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen, the elegant lace dress is believed to have cost her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton (who footed the bill), £250,000. Kate made sure to pay tribute to the Middletons with her outfit, along with her new husband William and her grandmother-in-law, the Queen – did you spot the sweet family nods?

In honour of their wedding anniversary on 29 April, take a look at the best photos and details of the royal bride's wedding dress, veil and jewellery.

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WATCH: Look Back At Prince William And Kate Middleton's Royal Wedding

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The royal bride added a touch of sparkle with her Robinson Pelham earrings, which were a gift from her parents and designed to look like the Middleton family's coat of arms.

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It was covered in handmade lace created by the Royal School of Needlework. The youngest lace-maker on the team was 19 years old at the time.

MORE: 14 wedding guest hats that turned heads on Prince William and Kate Middleton's big day

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Embroiderer Amanda Ewing, who was part of the team that made the gown, opened up about the level of secrecy surrounding its creation. "We knew who it was for, but it was very secret – we had net curtains up, and cleaners were not allowed into the room and the code on the door was changed," she said, adding: "It was a once in a lifetime opportunity."

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Images of roses, thistles, daffodils, and shamrocks were placed on both the bodice and skirt.

In a statement released by the palace, The Royal Family said: "Miss Middleton chose British brand Alexander McQueen for the beauty of its craftsmanship. The lace design was hand-engineered (appliquéd) using the Carrickmacross lace-making technique, which originated in Ireland in the 1820s."

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Kate's dress featured a V-neckline, long sleeves, a fitted Victorian bodice and, in signature McQueen style, padding on the hips.

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Kate's train was an estimated 8.85 feet long, which made quite the statement as she walked down the aisle.

READ: 7 most expensive royal wedding dresses: Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, Princess Eugenie and more

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Thanks to Kate's sister Pippa, fans were able to see the underskirt of the dress which was made out of silk tulle trimmed with lace.

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The Duchess' dress was fastened at the back with 58 organza-covered buttons and Rouleau loops – a stunning detail that is largely hidden by her veil.

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Kate's veil was also crafted with hand-embroidered flowers and held in place by a Cartier halo tiara, which acted as her 'something borrowed' since it was originally gifted to Queen Elizabeth on her 18th birthday.

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Kate's bouquet, which was designed by Shane Connolly, included hyacinth flowers for love, Lily-of-the-valley for happiness, Myrtle for love and marriage, and sweet William for gallantry.

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The royal later changed into her second gown, which was by the same designer. It featured a satin A-line skirt and a sweetheart neckline, which she accessorised with a sweet cream cardigan.