Kate looks like Grace Kelly in wedding dress

Many fashion experts spotted similarities with the outfit worn by US beauty Grace to marry Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956.

Kate's gown had been a closely kept secret for months - but when the 29-year-old future Queen finally walked down the aisle wearing it, no one was disappointed.

She oozed class in the bespoke lace appliqu? creation by Alexander McQueen creative director Sarah Burton.

The dress, with a train nearly 9ft long, was made with ivory and white satin gazar. Its skirt echoed an opening flower, with white satin gazar arches and pleats.

The ivory satin V-neck bodice, narrowed at the waist and padded at the hips, drew on the Victorian tradition.

The lace design was hand-worked, using the Carrickmacross technique, which originated in Ireland in the 1820s.

ROYAL bride wore a dress designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen

British bridal designer Suzanne Neville said Kate had chosen a timeless look. She added: "It's very Grace Kelly.

She brought out that classic British look. It is beautiful, absolutely stunning. It's made beautifully. The workmanship shines through."

Couture designer Caroline Castigliano said the bride looked "absolutely fabulous", adding: "It was Grace Kelly, and the silhouette of the dress was very much like Princess Margaret's."

Harriet Quick, fashion features director at Vogue, said: "It has lots of echoes of Grace Kelly's wedding dress. But I think Sarah created something really beautiful for her - a very simple veil, incredible lace and that prettiest of neck-lines. She looked the picture of loveliness."

And Jenny Swire, fashion director of Wedding magazine, added: "The whole thing is a nod to Grace Kelly. Kate does wear that plunging neckline quite often, that V, so she knows it suits her."

Grace, who died in 1982, starred in hit Hollywood movies like High Society before her marriage.

Her outfit was designed by Helen Rose, the wardrobe designer at MGM studios.

Clarence House said yesterday: "Miss Middleton chose British brand Alexander McQueen for the beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing.

"Miss Middleton worked closely with Sarah Burton in formulating the design. The dress epitomises timeless British craftsmanship by drawing together talented and skilled workmanship from across the United Kingdom."

Cheshire-born Sarah, 36, took over the label as creative director when top British designer McQueen killed himself in February last year.

She started as an intern in 1996 and became McQueen's most trusted adviser.

Speculation began in March that the dress would be by McQueen. But, sworn to secrecy, they denied it.

The truth emerged when Sarah, was spotted at the Middleton family's Goring hotel the night before the wedding. She was even seen making last-minute finishing touches as Kate walked up the aisle on her father's arm.

Chief bridesmaid Pippa Middleton, Kate's 27-year-old sister, was also wearing one of her creations. It was of a heavy, ivory satin-based crepe, with a cowl front. The button detail and lace trims were the same as on the bride's dress.

Sarah, who is married to photographer David Burton, said: "It has been the experience of a lifetime to work with Catherine Middleton to create her wedding dress.

"I have enjoyed every moment of it. It was such an incredible honour to be asked. I hope we have created a beautiful dress."

s.brook@the-sun.co.uk

THE bride's veil was held by a Cartier "halo" platinum and diamond tiara lent by the Queen.

It was made by the French jewellers in 1936 and bought by the Duke of York, later King George VI, for his Duchess, who went on to become the Queen Mother.

The tiara was given to the Queen for her 18th birthday and signified Kate's "something borrowed".

THE diamond earrings from society jewellers Robinson Pelham were a gift from Kate's parents - and were her "something new".

They have an oak-leaf outline and an acorn-shaped diamond suspended in the centre, inspired by Kate's new coat of arms which includes both.

KATE played safe with her hair, asking stylist James Pryce from regular salon Richard Ward in London to leave it very simple and close to her normal style.

There was a hint of the classic "bridal up-do" with a demi-chignon, the top scooped to the back.

The veil was made of layers of soft, ivory silk netting with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers made by the Royal School of Needlework.

Kate did her own make-up.

THE bouquet was shield-shaped with myrtle, lily of the valley, sweet william and hyacinth.

The flowers all have links to either the Royal Family or the Middletons. Myrtle is the emblem of marriage and love.

The bouquet included stems from a myrtle planted by Queen Victoria in 1845. Another sprig came from a plant derived from the Queen's wedding bouquet in 1947.

THE lace for the bodice and skirt was hand-made by the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) - using the Carrickmacross technique, to represent something old.

The applique lace, which originated in Ireland in the 1820s, was also used for Di's gown.

The RSN workers, based at Hampton Court Palace, washed their hands every 30 minutes to keep Kate's lace and thread pristine.

And to ensure needles were sharp and clean they were replaced every three hours.

Individual plants - the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock - were cut from lace and applied by hand on to ivory silk tulle. English lace and French Chantilly lace were also used, and blue ribbon sewn in. The back fastened with 58 buttons.

THE train was 8ft 10in, (2.7 metres), modest compared to the 24ft 11in train (7.6 metres) Princess Diana chose. It also displayed the talents of the RSN.

THE shoes were made by the team at Alexander McQueen from ivory duchesse satin with lace embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework.

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