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Celebrity

13 of the most iconic royal wedding dresses

by : Erica Ngao- May 14th, 2018

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Queen Elizabeth II, 1947

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The design of Queen Elizabeth's dress was only approved less than three months before the wedding. Royal dress designer Norman Hartnell imagined a gown with fine pearl embroidery in a floral design inspired by a Botticelli painting. The 4.5-metres silk tulle court train was attached at the shoulders and embroidered with pearl and crystal (but it was still 3 metres shorter than Princess Diana's). 

Grace Kelly, 1956

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Created with Grace Kelly's Hollywood Princess image in mind, the gown featured rose point lace, and was a gift from the star's studio, Metro-Godwyn-Mayer. It was designed by Academy Award-winning costume designer Helen Rose, who also created Kelly's wardrobe for four of her films. 

Princess Margaret, 1960

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Paving the way for future royal weddings, Princess Margaret and photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones' was the first to be broadcast on television and more than 20 million viewers tuned in. Also designed by Norman Hartnell, the silk organza gown had 30 metres of fabric in the skirt alone. Crystal embellishments and beading were used sparingly to keep the focus on Margaret's figure. 

Princess Diana, 1981

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One of the most iconic royal wedding dresses, the silk taffeta gown had a train that was over 7 metres long and designed by Elizabeth and David Emanuel. Princess Di's choice of the young designer couple was considered a break from tradition, and the dress inspired many imitations. 

Queen Rania Al Abdullah, 1993

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The short-sleeved, gold-embroidered gown was created by British designer Bruce Oldfield for Queen Rania's nuptuals to King Abdullah II of Jordan. Oldfield also made couture for other royal clients including Princess Diana.  

Princess Marie-Chantal Miller, 1995

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Princess Marie-Chantal Miller married Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece in 1995 in an ivory silk and pearl-encrusted Valentino gown. 

Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso, 2000

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Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso was the first commoner to marry into Lesotho's royal family. For the occasion, which included over 40,000 guests at a football stadium, she wore a long-sleeved, jewel-encrusted gown. 

Queen Letizia, 2004

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Queen Letizia Ortiz married Spain's King Felipe in a long-sleeved, gold-embroidered gown with a open collar and 4 metres long train from Spanish designer Manuel Pertegaz.

Princess Sayako, 2005

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When Japan's Princess Sayako married civil servant Yoshiki Kuroda, she gave up her royal status. Fittingly, she stepped away from the palace wearing a simple silk dress and a single string of pearls. 

Queen Jetsun Pema, 2011

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Jetsun Pema became the world's youngest living queen when she married King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan at 21. For their wedding, she wore a kira, the country's national dress. It was woven from raw silk and took months to complete. 

Kate Middleton, 2011

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The Duchess of Cambridge's wedding dress, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, featured lace detail which incorporated designs of rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock.

Princess Salwa Aga Khan, 2013

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When American model Kendra Spears (who became Princess Salwa Aga Khan) married Prince Rahim Aga Kahn, both wore pieces by Indian designer Manav Gangwani. Her ivory and gold sari featured embroidery, gold-silver glass beads, and crystals. 

Princess Sofia, 2015

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For her wedding to Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, Princess Sofia's gown featured couture lace and a hand-stitched train, complemented with a hand-embroidered tulle veil. 

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