Showing posts with label Royal Wedding 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Royal Wedding 2011. Show all posts

Monday, May 2, 2011

Prince Harry's wedding day secret revealed

By REBECCA ENGLISH

Lord of the ring: Prince Harry walks sister of the bride and maid of honour Philippa Middleton down the aisle in Westminster Abbey


Prince Harry was so scared of dropping Kate Middleton’s wedding ring that he had a secret pocket built into his uniform to carry it, MailOnline can reveal.

While most best men carry the ring in their trouser or jacket pocket, Harry’s Blues and Royals military outfit was so tight fitting that the tailor, Kashket and Partners, was unable to incorporate one into the design.

So with the prince’s help, the firm came up with the idea of a special gold embroidered cuff which could be attached to Harry's jacket. Sewn inside was a secret compartment in which the precious Welsh gold ring could be kept safe.


Cunning: Prince Harry's secret cuff pocket, made by Kashket and Partners


Harry’s cuff was made from a heavyweight Melton wool fabric embroidered with a two per cent pure gold wire.

A spokesman said: 'The team were asked to design a small pocket to keep Kate’s ring safe, particularly during the journey from Clarence House to Westminster Abbey, as Harry has no pocket in his military trousers.


Can you spot it? Prince Harry's secret pocket meant he could remain cool and calm about producing the ring in front of two billion TV viewers


'Harry, aware that he would be waving to the crowds, feared he may drop the ring and wanted a secret compartment.

'The brothers wanted the day to run smoothly and decided this would be the best option.

'We were happy to oblige.'

A royal source added: ‘Prince Harry was terrified that he would arrived at the Abbey and find out that he had dropped the ring on the way. His brother was always ribbing him about it.'

Kashket also made Prince William’s Irish Guards uniform for the big day as well as the page boy outfits.


Near the knuckle: The moment Prince William slid the ring onto Kate's finger, with a bit of wriggling

source: dailymail

Prince Harry's wedding day secret revealed

By REBECCA ENGLISH

Lord of the ring: Prince Harry walks sister of the bride and maid of honour Philippa Middleton down the aisle in Westminster Abbey


Prince Harry was so scared of dropping Kate Middleton’s wedding ring that he had a secret pocket built into his uniform to carry it, MailOnline can reveal.

While most best men carry the ring in their trouser or jacket pocket, Harry’s Blues and Royals military outfit was so tight fitting that the tailor, Kashket and Partners, was unable to incorporate one into the design.

So with the prince’s help, the firm came up with the idea of a special gold embroidered cuff which could be attached to Harry's jacket. Sewn inside was a secret compartment in which the precious Welsh gold ring could be kept safe.


Cunning: Prince Harry's secret cuff pocket, made by Kashket and Partners


Harry’s cuff was made from a heavyweight Melton wool fabric embroidered with a two per cent pure gold wire.

A spokesman said: 'The team were asked to design a small pocket to keep Kate’s ring safe, particularly during the journey from Clarence House to Westminster Abbey, as Harry has no pocket in his military trousers.


Can you spot it? Prince Harry's secret pocket meant he could remain cool and calm about producing the ring in front of two billion TV viewers


'Harry, aware that he would be waving to the crowds, feared he may drop the ring and wanted a secret compartment.

'The brothers wanted the day to run smoothly and decided this would be the best option.

'We were happy to oblige.'

A royal source added: ‘Prince Harry was terrified that he would arrived at the Abbey and find out that he had dropped the ring on the way. His brother was always ribbing him about it.'

Kashket also made Prince William’s Irish Guards uniform for the big day as well as the page boy outfits.


Near the knuckle: The moment Prince William slid the ring onto Kate's finger, with a bit of wriggling

source: dailymail

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Elton John wells up at the wedding 14 years after he sang for Diana at Westminster Abbey

By ANDREA MAGRATH


Emotional: Elton John appeared rather misty-eyed during the Royal Wedding today


In an emotional interview three years ago, he described singing at Princess Diana's funeral as a 'surreal' experience he hoped never to have to repeat.

So it is understandable that returning to Westminster Abbey today would be an emotional experience for Elton John.

After initially arriving at the event in high spirits, the singer appeared a little misty-eyed at one point in the ceremony.


Memories: The singer famously played at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales fourteen years earlier


Elton was pictured biting his lip and his eyes looked red-rimmed as he gazed at the proceedings.

Earlier the 64-year-old shared a laugh with partner David Furnish and fellow guests as they took their front-row aisle seats inside the Abbey.


'Surreal': In 2008 he gave an emotional interview discussing his performance of Candle In The Wind at Diana's funeral in 1997


He received a huge cheer as they arrived at the Abbey, and waved gaily at the crowd.

But Elton's mood turned sombre, perhaps as he reflected on his tribute to his late friend, the Princess Of Wales at her funeral on September 6, 1997.

Elton's re-worked rendition of his hit Candle In The Wind moved the millions of viewers to tears and is widely regarded as the best-selling single of all time.

In a TV documentary aired in 2008, the singer recalled: 'Me playing at the funeral was one of the most surreal things I have ever done.


Excited: Elton looked in high spirits as he and a distracted David Furnish (left) waited for the ceremony to begin


'What was going through my mind was, "Don't f*** this up. Don't sing a wrong note. Don't sing the wrong note. Be stoic.

"Don't break down and just do it to the best you can possibly do it without showing any emotion whatsoever."

'My heart was beating quite a lot, I have to say,' he told VH1 'RocDoc' Me, Myself and I.


Proud: Sir Elton beams with happiness as he watches Prince William and his new bride walk down the aisle to leave the Abbey


'This is an unreal experience and I hope I never have to do it again.'

Elton was less forthcoming when asked by BBC Radio 5 outside the Abbey how he enjoyed the wedding.

Speaking after the ceremony, his response was: 'It's not the Oscars.'


Arrival: He received a huge cheer from the crowds as he arrived at the Abbey

source: dailymail

Elton John wells up at the wedding 14 years after he sang for Diana at Westminster Abbey

By ANDREA MAGRATH


Emotional: Elton John appeared rather misty-eyed during the Royal Wedding today


In an emotional interview three years ago, he described singing at Princess Diana's funeral as a 'surreal' experience he hoped never to have to repeat.

So it is understandable that returning to Westminster Abbey today would be an emotional experience for Elton John.

After initially arriving at the event in high spirits, the singer appeared a little misty-eyed at one point in the ceremony.


Memories: The singer famously played at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales fourteen years earlier


Elton was pictured biting his lip and his eyes looked red-rimmed as he gazed at the proceedings.

Earlier the 64-year-old shared a laugh with partner David Furnish and fellow guests as they took their front-row aisle seats inside the Abbey.


'Surreal': In 2008 he gave an emotional interview discussing his performance of Candle In The Wind at Diana's funeral in 1997


He received a huge cheer as they arrived at the Abbey, and waved gaily at the crowd.

But Elton's mood turned sombre, perhaps as he reflected on his tribute to his late friend, the Princess Of Wales at her funeral on September 6, 1997.

Elton's re-worked rendition of his hit Candle In The Wind moved the millions of viewers to tears and is widely regarded as the best-selling single of all time.

In a TV documentary aired in 2008, the singer recalled: 'Me playing at the funeral was one of the most surreal things I have ever done.


Excited: Elton looked in high spirits as he and a distracted David Furnish (left) waited for the ceremony to begin


'What was going through my mind was, "Don't f*** this up. Don't sing a wrong note. Don't sing the wrong note. Be stoic.

"Don't break down and just do it to the best you can possibly do it without showing any emotion whatsoever."

'My heart was beating quite a lot, I have to say,' he told VH1 'RocDoc' Me, Myself and I.


Proud: Sir Elton beams with happiness as he watches Prince William and his new bride walk down the aisle to leave the Abbey


'This is an unreal experience and I hope I never have to do it again.'

Elton was less forthcoming when asked by BBC Radio 5 outside the Abbey how he enjoyed the wedding.

Speaking after the ceremony, his response was: 'It's not the Oscars.'


Arrival: He received a huge cheer from the crowds as he arrived at the Abbey

source: dailymail

£4,000-a-night honeymoon: William is to whisk Kate off to a tropical hideaway

By REBECCA ENGLISH

And they're orf: Kate and William at Buckingham Palace on Saturday before flying by helicopter for their 'mini-moon'


The newlywed Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are to honeymoon in a £4,000-a-night villa on one of the most beautiful and romantic islands in the world.

Prince William is to whisk his bride away to a secret hideaway in the Indian Ocean for a ten-day holiday later this month.

It was widely expected that the couple would be going on honeymoon this week after their wedding on Friday. But at the weekend it was announced that the Duke, a search and rescue pilot, would be returning to work tomorrow at RAF Valley on Anglesey.


Not even Kate is aware of where the couple will be going for their honeymoon but it is understood to be an exclusive island in the Seychelles (Stock image)


Despite his status as second in line to the throne he had to apply for leave like his colleagues. He was given a week off for the wedding but was told that he would have to split any further holiday requests – hence the delayed departure date.

The Mail can reveal that the Duke and Duchess are due to fly out by private jet in mid-May before being taken by helicopter from the mainland to the tropical retreat.

Two Scotland Yard protection officers checked the destination a fortnight ago to ensure it would give the couple the privacy they crave. The Mail is not publishing details of the location, and it is understood that not even Kate is aware of the exact destination.

The resort, which is surrounded by coconut groves, offers almost complete isolation. Its white sand beaches are bathed by crystal-clear turquoise waters and are a sanctuary for sea turtles.

Only a handful of luxury villas are dotted across the island. Hand-crafted out of local wood, each has an open-air bathroom area with sunken bath and shower, a private garden and a wooden deck with freshwater rock pool and yoga pavilion.

There is a butler on hand in every villa, and a personal chef will conjure up a daily menu based on freshly-caught fish and whatever delicacies the couple wish.


The couple were seen flying from Buckingham Palace for their 'mini-moon' in a helicopter


The area is an eco-haven and while snorkelling, kayaking or diving are encouraged, its tranquillity is preserved with a ban on jet skis and similar watersports.

A source said: ‘It’s one of the most incredible places you will ever visit and Kate will have the time of her life. It’s everything you could want from a honeymoon destination and more – beautiful beaches, tropical seas and complete privacy.

‘The prince’s protection officers flew out two and half weeks ago to check it out and their villa has been booked and confirmed.

‘It’s a real Robinson Crusoe kind of place. There are some beautiful hikes, but if you can’t be bothered to walk a golf cart will transport you. They will also deliver you a picnic with ice-cold drinks.



Like everyone else he works with, Prince William had to apply to take time off before the wedding


‘If you fancy some company there is a little beach bar and a restaurant. Most people, however, prefer to eat meals brought by the butler on the privacy of their deck while watching the sunset.’

Over the weekend the Duke and Duchess have been enjoying a ‘mini-moon’ at a mystery location in the UK. They flew in the Queen’s helicopter from Buckingham Palace on Saturday for a two-night break.

Clarence House refused to reveal their destination, or issue official pictures of the honeymooners. Previous royal newlyweds, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana and the Queen and Prince Philip, all posed for photographers.

The secrecy sparked a nationwide guessing game with alleged sightings of the couple from the Isles of Scilly to North East Scotland.

A Clarence House spokesman said last night: ‘The couple have asked the media to respect the privacy of their honeymoon, therefore we can neither confirm or deny speculation.’


source: dailymail

£4,000-a-night honeymoon: William is to whisk Kate off to a tropical hideaway

By REBECCA ENGLISH

And they're orf: Kate and William at Buckingham Palace on Saturday before flying by helicopter for their 'mini-moon'


The newlywed Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are to honeymoon in a £4,000-a-night villa on one of the most beautiful and romantic islands in the world.

Prince William is to whisk his bride away to a secret hideaway in the Indian Ocean for a ten-day holiday later this month.

It was widely expected that the couple would be going on honeymoon this week after their wedding on Friday. But at the weekend it was announced that the Duke, a search and rescue pilot, would be returning to work tomorrow at RAF Valley on Anglesey.


Not even Kate is aware of where the couple will be going for their honeymoon but it is understood to be an exclusive island in the Seychelles (Stock image)


Despite his status as second in line to the throne he had to apply for leave like his colleagues. He was given a week off for the wedding but was told that he would have to split any further holiday requests – hence the delayed departure date.

The Mail can reveal that the Duke and Duchess are due to fly out by private jet in mid-May before being taken by helicopter from the mainland to the tropical retreat.

Two Scotland Yard protection officers checked the destination a fortnight ago to ensure it would give the couple the privacy they crave. The Mail is not publishing details of the location, and it is understood that not even Kate is aware of the exact destination.

The resort, which is surrounded by coconut groves, offers almost complete isolation. Its white sand beaches are bathed by crystal-clear turquoise waters and are a sanctuary for sea turtles.

Only a handful of luxury villas are dotted across the island. Hand-crafted out of local wood, each has an open-air bathroom area with sunken bath and shower, a private garden and a wooden deck with freshwater rock pool and yoga pavilion.

There is a butler on hand in every villa, and a personal chef will conjure up a daily menu based on freshly-caught fish and whatever delicacies the couple wish.


The couple were seen flying from Buckingham Palace for their 'mini-moon' in a helicopter


The area is an eco-haven and while snorkelling, kayaking or diving are encouraged, its tranquillity is preserved with a ban on jet skis and similar watersports.

A source said: ‘It’s one of the most incredible places you will ever visit and Kate will have the time of her life. It’s everything you could want from a honeymoon destination and more – beautiful beaches, tropical seas and complete privacy.

‘The prince’s protection officers flew out two and half weeks ago to check it out and their villa has been booked and confirmed.

‘It’s a real Robinson Crusoe kind of place. There are some beautiful hikes, but if you can’t be bothered to walk a golf cart will transport you. They will also deliver you a picnic with ice-cold drinks.



Like everyone else he works with, Prince William had to apply to take time off before the wedding


‘If you fancy some company there is a little beach bar and a restaurant. Most people, however, prefer to eat meals brought by the butler on the privacy of their deck while watching the sunset.’

Over the weekend the Duke and Duchess have been enjoying a ‘mini-moon’ at a mystery location in the UK. They flew in the Queen’s helicopter from Buckingham Palace on Saturday for a two-night break.

Clarence House refused to reveal their destination, or issue official pictures of the honeymooners. Previous royal newlyweds, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana and the Queen and Prince Philip, all posed for photographers.

The secrecy sparked a nationwide guessing game with alleged sightings of the couple from the Isles of Scilly to North East Scotland.

A Clarence House spokesman said last night: ‘The couple have asked the media to respect the privacy of their honeymoon, therefore we can neither confirm or deny speculation.’


source: dailymail

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Not very Abbey: Cart-wheeling verger carpeted by clerics after becoming wedding web sensation

By JONATHAN PETRE


The Westminster Abbey verger who became an internet sensation after cart-wheeling down the nave following the Royal Wedding has been rebuked by senior staff.

Sources at the Abbey said the man was feeling ‘fairly chastened’ after his impromptu display of acrobatics was caught on film.

Although he is unlikely to face any formal disciplinary action, Abbey staff have warned him not to speak publicly about the incident.


Flipping good time: Verger Ben Sheward lands with a smile after the wedding went without any hitches


While the Abbey has refused to identify him, sources have disclosed he is Ben Sheward, who lives in South London.

The sources said Mr Sheward is believed to have worked at the Abbey for ten years, and he has previously been pictured welcoming new choirboys by sharing sweets with them.

According to some sources, he has studied music in New Zealand and is an expert on the composer Edward Elgar.


Splendour: Only an hour earlier, the new Duchess of Cambridge was was being walked down the aisle


Mr Sheward waited until some 1,900 guests had left the Abbey before seizing his chance to cartwheel down the red carpet that William and Kate had just walked along for the first time as a married couple.

In the clip, the black-cassocked verger is shown strolling down the carpet.

As a number of apparent stragglers from the wedding service look on, he embarks on one cart-wheel, smiles, and then squeezes in at least one other before disappearing out of shot.

ITV cameras caught his antics, which were beamed to millions of viewers around the world, ensuring the unsuspecting verger became an international celebrity


Spectacle: As well as billions who saw it on TV, thousands watched the occasion from outside the Abbey


The clip had already attracted 100,000 internet hits yesterday, and comments on various websites had come from as far afield as the United States and Australia. One said: ‘I think this self-publicist should be sacked!’ Most, however, praised him.

A Westminster Abbey spokesman said: ‘The verger, like all of us, was very pleased the service had gone according to plan, and was expressing his exuberance.’ He emphasised that the incident occurred some time after the wedding had finished.


Sight to behold: Prince William and Kate emerge from the Abbey... it was enough to make one man cart-wheel


The Royal Wedding - Cartwheeling Verger



source: dailymail

Same place, same pose... but two very different stories

By POLLY DUNBAR

Happy: William and Kate surrounded by, clockwise bottom right, The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Miss Eliza Lopes, Miss Grace van Cutsem, Lady Louise Windsor, Master Tom Pettifer, Master William Lowther-Pinkerton


The echoes of a Royal wedding from an earlier era are difficult to ignore.

The backdrop is the same: the opulent red-and-gold decor of the grand Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. And the mischievous smiles on the faces of some of the bridesmaids and page boys – and endearingly bewildered expressions on the others – are strikingly similar.


The 1981 wedding party. From back, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Diana and Charles, Edward van Cutsem; front: Lord Nicholas Windsor, Clementine Hambro, Catherine Cameron, India Hicks, Sarah-Jane Gaselee and Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones


But, 30 years after the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, the official wedding picture of Prince William and Kate Middleton also reflects the differences between the two couples' relationships.

The photograph of Charles and Diana, taken by Patrick Lichfield, seemed to capture a moment of spontaneous informality, with the wedding party collapsing in a fit of giggles. But, as we now know, the warmth was not reflected in the marriage itself.

By contrast, Kate and William's picture, by photographer Hugo Burnand, appears more formal, despite little Tom Pettifer's insistence on leaning in as close to the bride as possible.


Full of joy and not a care in the world: William and Kate smile broadly as they stand arm-in-arm in the official wedding album


Despite the organised nature of their shot, they look relaxed, their smiles unforced, and her hand rests on his knee.

Mario Testino may have received praise for his engagement portraits of William and Kate, but their choice of Hugo Burnand to take their official wedding pictures has cemented the latter's status as the Royal Family's favourite photographer.

Mr Burnand, 47, has been entrusted with capturing many of the Royals' most important occasions in recent years, including Prince Charles's 60th birthday and his marriage to Camilla. He has also won the respect of the Queen and Princes William and Harry after taking their pictures on previous occasions.


The family photo: Front row left to right is Grace van Cutsem, Eliza Lopes, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Queen, Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Louise Windsor, William Lowther-Pinkerton. Back Row left to right is Tom Pettifer, Camilla, Charles, Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate, Michael Middleton, Carole Middleton, James Middleton and Philippa Middleton


Mr Burnand, 47, has been entrusted with capturing many of the Royals' most important occasions in recent years


source: dailymail

Not very Abbey: Cart-wheeling verger carpeted by clerics after becoming wedding web sensation

By JONATHAN PETRE


The Westminster Abbey verger who became an internet sensation after cart-wheeling down the nave following the Royal Wedding has been rebuked by senior staff.

Sources at the Abbey said the man was feeling ‘fairly chastened’ after his impromptu display of acrobatics was caught on film.

Although he is unlikely to face any formal disciplinary action, Abbey staff have warned him not to speak publicly about the incident.


Flipping good time: Verger Ben Sheward lands with a smile after the wedding went without any hitches


While the Abbey has refused to identify him, sources have disclosed he is Ben Sheward, who lives in South London.

The sources said Mr Sheward is believed to have worked at the Abbey for ten years, and he has previously been pictured welcoming new choirboys by sharing sweets with them.

According to some sources, he has studied music in New Zealand and is an expert on the composer Edward Elgar.


Splendour: Only an hour earlier, the new Duchess of Cambridge was was being walked down the aisle


Mr Sheward waited until some 1,900 guests had left the Abbey before seizing his chance to cartwheel down the red carpet that William and Kate had just walked along for the first time as a married couple.

In the clip, the black-cassocked verger is shown strolling down the carpet.

As a number of apparent stragglers from the wedding service look on, he embarks on one cart-wheel, smiles, and then squeezes in at least one other before disappearing out of shot.

ITV cameras caught his antics, which were beamed to millions of viewers around the world, ensuring the unsuspecting verger became an international celebrity


Spectacle: As well as billions who saw it on TV, thousands watched the occasion from outside the Abbey


The clip had already attracted 100,000 internet hits yesterday, and comments on various websites had come from as far afield as the United States and Australia. One said: ‘I think this self-publicist should be sacked!’ Most, however, praised him.

A Westminster Abbey spokesman said: ‘The verger, like all of us, was very pleased the service had gone according to plan, and was expressing his exuberance.’ He emphasised that the incident occurred some time after the wedding had finished.


Sight to behold: Prince William and Kate emerge from the Abbey... it was enough to make one man cart-wheel


The Royal Wedding - Cartwheeling Verger


source: dailymail

Not very Abbey: Cart-wheeling verger carpeted by clerics after becoming wedding web sensation

By JONATHAN PETRE


The Westminster Abbey verger who became an internet sensation after cart-wheeling down the nave following the Royal Wedding has been rebuked by senior staff.

Sources at the Abbey said the man was feeling ‘fairly chastened’ after his impromptu display of acrobatics was caught on film.

Although he is unlikely to face any formal disciplinary action, Abbey staff have warned him not to speak publicly about the incident.


Flipping good time: Verger Ben Sheward lands with a smile after the wedding went without any hitches


While the Abbey has refused to identify him, sources have disclosed he is Ben Sheward, who lives in South London.

The sources said Mr Sheward is believed to have worked at the Abbey for ten years, and he has previously been pictured welcoming new choirboys by sharing sweets with them.

According to some sources, he has studied music in New Zealand and is an expert on the composer Edward Elgar.


Splendour: Only an hour earlier, the new Duchess of Cambridge was was being walked down the aisle


Mr Sheward waited until some 1,900 guests had left the Abbey before seizing his chance to cartwheel down the red carpet that William and Kate had just walked along for the first time as a married couple.

In the clip, the black-cassocked verger is shown strolling down the carpet.

As a number of apparent stragglers from the wedding service look on, he embarks on one cart-wheel, smiles, and then squeezes in at least one other before disappearing out of shot.

ITV cameras caught his antics, which were beamed to millions of viewers around the world, ensuring the unsuspecting verger became an international celebrity


Spectacle: As well as billions who saw it on TV, thousands watched the occasion from outside the Abbey


The clip had already attracted 100,000 internet hits yesterday, and comments on various websites had come from as far afield as the United States and Australia. One said: ‘I think this self-publicist should be sacked!’ Most, however, praised him.

A Westminster Abbey spokesman said: ‘The verger, like all of us, was very pleased the service had gone according to plan, and was expressing his exuberance.’ He emphasised that the incident occurred some time after the wedding had finished.


Sight to behold: Prince William and Kate emerge from the Abbey... it was enough to make one man cart-wheel


The Royal Wedding - Cartwheeling Verger


source: dailymail

Middletons go home ... £250,000 poorer: Family’s huge bill for hotel, banquets, outfits and jewellery

By ROBERT VERKAIK

All smiles: Pippa, in jeans showing off the figure that has won her fans on Facebook, leads her mother Carole, brother James and father Michael out of the Goring Hotel yesterday


After a long day and night of celebrating, the Middletons finally emerged from the five-star Goring Hotel yesterday... perhaps thinking: ‘And about time, too.’

As speculation intensifies over the family’s wealth, inquiries have revealed that the wedding has cost them at least £250,000.

The bill for the exclusive hire of the 71-room hotel near Buckingham Palace is estimated at £85,000 alone. The Royal Suite, where Kate spent her last nights as a single woman is so exclusive, it has not been officially priced.


Rear of the Year? It's already in the bag: Pippa says a final farewell before starting the journey home


But the 200-strong crowd that cheered the family outside the hotel did not detect any regrets as they headed for their chauffeur-driven car, waving and smiling.

Pippa, 27 – carrying a bag and wearing skin-tight white jeans that accentuated the derriere that has inspired many Facebook tribute sites – led out her parents Carole and Michael and younger brother James, 23.


Pricey night: The bill for the exclusive hire of the 71-room Goring Hotel is believed to cost £85,000


The family is also estimated to have paid £25,000 for two parties at the hotel. On Thursday, Kate treated 120 friends and family to a buffet. And after Friday’s ceremony, Carole and Michael hosted an extravagant wedding party for a wider circle. Beluga caviar on The Goring restaurant menu is £400 for 100g while a bottle of Dom Perignon can cost £1,530.

Even if some Middleton guests paid for their rooms and the family secured a discount they will still be facing a bill approaching £100,000.

Last night the hotel said the terms of the booking were private. Kate’s bridal gown, designed by Sarah Burton, is said to have cost up to £40,000. Carole’s outfit by Catherine Walker would have cost £10,000 and Pippa’s dress, also by Sarah Burton, about £20,000.

Kate’s earrings, from Robinson Pelham, are believed to have set her parents back £15,000. A pendant and earrings for Carole, earrings for Pippa and gold tie sticks for Michael and James cost about £30,000.

The bridal shoes, designed at Alexander McQueen, and bridal flowers would have cost at least £3,000. Morning suits for Michael and James, by Gieves & Hawkes, would have cost £10,000. The Middletons would have also paid for suits and dresses for the evening, costing up to £20,000.


My hat: Mr Middleton loses his topper as he exits the bride's Rolls-Royce



Proud moment: The father of the bride looks on as Prince William is joined by Kate at the altar

source: dailymail