Royal wedding reception: Kate Middleton changes into a second dress for evening
This post has been corrected. See the note below for details.
A change of a dress might sound simple, but for Kate Middleton, now Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, it signified the transition from commoner to royal wife.
After winning the world's favor in an Alexander McQueen masterpiece during her wedding ceremony Friday to Prince William, Kate made a quick stop at Buckingham Palace for a luncheon with Queen Elizabeth II -- then changed out of the gown into her reception look.
Another McQueen stunner, the second gown was described as "a white satin strapless evening gown with a circle skirt and diamante detailing around the waist" by People magazine.
A chic, fringed white shrug complemented the look, adding fashion-forward dash. The bride's formal hairstyle shifted to throw some dramatic waves in front, framing her face. William responded in kind by suiting up in a formal black tuxedo.
The evening program, hosted by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace, included dinner and dancing with his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; Kate's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton; best man Prince Harry; and maid of honor Pippa Middleton.
[For the record, 9:10 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., April 30: This post originally referred to Camilla, Duchess of York. She is Duchess of Cornwall. The caption referred to Catherine as Duchess of Wales. She is Duchess of Cambridge. Thanks to commenters @Janelle and @Tandy for flagging the gaffes.]
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-- Matt Donnelly
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Photos: Top, after a luncheon reception and a change of clothes, a smiling Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, left, leaves Clarence House in London with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
Bottom, Prince William, left, and Prince Charles round out the foursome as they head to Buckingham Palace for an evening reception hosted by the father of the groom on Friday. Credits: John Stillwell / Associated Press
Two McQueen gowns? I'm all for it. They were both beautiful all on their own, but Middleton brought them to life. And how appropos and evocative: McQueen's legacy lives on a year later, through Sarah Burton's wonderful work and understanding of how to knit together so many visions simultaneously. She has done wonderfully on her own and I can't wait to see where she goes from here.
Hooray!
Also: I'm glad you've spent so much time on the Royal Wedding. It's nice to have a distraction while the world seems to be falling apart all around us. I like to watch the pomp and circumstance and pretend everything is okay for a moment.
Posted by: Elizabeth | Apr 30, 2011 at 07:11 AM
This dress is a little too simple for my taste I wish she'd worn something in her hair, a braclet and some lipstick since the dress is so simple.
Posted by: Rose | May 01, 2011 at 11:17 AM
It looks like something straight out of Whoville!
Posted by: cheryl | May 01, 2011 at 03:33 PM
I thought Kate's dress was beautiful, but the veil sadly lacking, needed more
height and something else going on other than what wasn't. I hoped she would
wear lace sleeves and I think (and hope) it will start a trend, and, hopefully, encourage girls to wear something other than strapless, strapless and more
strapless.
Posted by: Ann Wilson | May 01, 2011 at 08:28 PM
I can not understand why she is walking behind William. I understand the royal crap, but they just got married and he does not even act like she is there. how disappointing that he shows no attention to her.
Posted by: jacki stafford | May 10, 2011 at 10:12 AM