Dress designer chosen
Finally, there's an end to the speculation over Kate Middleton's dress designer. Over the weekend the Sunday Times reported that Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen has been chosen.
Burton is currently the creative director at the famed design house and worked alongside the late designer for 14 years. She created Michelle Obama's striking red silk, organza state dinner dress.
So far, Burton is denying her involvement in the wedding but that's to be expected for an item as hotly coveted as a royal wedding dress. If you think that's unnecessary, consider this. The Mail on Sunday revealed -- more than a week after the fact -- that Kate's elegant red suit which she wore during the Royal couple's recent visit to their alma mater, St. Andrew's, was created by Luisa Spagnoli.
That's the Italian label known for dressing Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren. Middleton bought the suit at Hollie de Keyser in Knightsbridge, Central London, triggering another rush to the stores to duplicate the outfit.
Royal accessories
Yvonne Yorke, royal contributor for the Huffington Post, reports that four pairs of shoes of varying heel heights have been commissioned for the wedding.
Kate will likely wear a pair of silk covered, embroidered flats underneath her wedding dress. As well, the Queen has reportedly invited Kate to choose her tiara from the royal collection of precious heirlooms.
Wedding planner
Celebrity and royal party planner Lady Elizabeth Anson has been asked to help William and Kate with their wedding plans.
She is Queen Elizabeth's cousin and as such can be relied upon to understand and uphold the secrecy of each detail. Lady Elizabeth was behind the Queen's 80th birthday party at The Ritz hotel in London in 2006, and has also planned events for Tom Cruise, Mick Jagger, Sting, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, and fashion designer Valentino.
The cake tradition
Royal watchers, like British dress designer Sarah Haywood, are predicting that William and Kate's wedding cake will have at least one layer of fruit cake. She recently told People Magazine that the British tradition holds that the newlyweds store the layer to serve at the christening of their first child.
Party theme
A "royal source" has informed The Sun magazine that the private wedding party for 300 guests at Buckingham Palace will have an ‘80s theme.
Prince Harry's best pal, club entrepreneur Guy Pelly, is consulting on the playlist and is said to include Abba, Spandau Ballet, Culture Club and Duran Duran. The source also says that Prince Harry is sharpening his chops to deliver a rousing wedding speech that will include teases about Prince William's thinning hair -- payback for William's constant teasing of Harry's red locks.
The entertainment
Indian Express reports that Indian choreographer Sandip Soparrkar and his model/dancer wife Jesse Radhawa will entertain the 600 guests at the lunch reception at Buckingham Palace. Ballroom dancing is Sopparrkar's specialty and the performance will be a Bollywood, English waltz mash-up.
Kate vs Diana, the comparisons continue
Princess Diana's former butler and tell-all writer, Paul Burrell, is not on Will and Kate's invite list. That hasn't stopped him from issuing a warning to the Princess-in-waiting.
Asked by The Daily Express if he had any advice he said, "Be careful what you wish for," and added, "The minute she steps out of Westminster Abbey as a princess, her life will change completely." It's worth noting that Diana was a mere 20 years old when she married Prince Charles and by all accounts, Kate Middleton is a little more emotionally prepared at 29.
Elton John, who plans to attend the wedding with his husband David Furnish, recently commented, "Kate is Diana in personality. She is very discreet; she is a very beautiful soul." He should know, being one of Diana's BFFs. Regarding Kate being given Diana's engagement ring he said," It's none of my business but I thought it was a little odd."
