Kate Middleton Was Reportedly in "Tears at the Palace" After Her Wedding Dress Designer Was Revealed, Royal Expert Says
She wanted it to be a surprise.


Brides want their weddings to be perfect, as they damn well should.
In 2011, Catherine Middleton may have been marrying into the Royal Family, but she was still a bride first and foremost—and, as such, she wanted her vision for the day to be realized.
Unfortunately for her, with intense media scrutiny came equally intense indiscretion, and a major secret she had wanted to keep for her big day came tumbling into the pages of Britain's most famed broadsheet newspaper. Her wedding dress designer, Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen, was revealed to the world prematurely.
"Behind the scenes, I think that caused tears at the Palace because Kate had done everything she could to keep the wedding dress a secret," royal expert Katie Nicholls said in the documentary Secrets of the Royal Dressmakers (via the Mirror).
According to the Mirror, The Sunday Times broke the news about two months before the royal nuptials. "[Burton] was selected by Middleton, who is making increasing efforts to develop her own style, on grounds of her quirky elegance, discretion and low profile," the article read at the time.
"A fashion source said that the dress will be a combination of Middleton's own design ideas and Burton's deep knowledge and understanding of high fashion.
"Middleton had hoped to keep Burton's name quiet until the wedding."
But the public knowing who designed the long-awaited dress took precisely nothing away from the dress reveal itself as the soon-to-be Duchess of Cambridge made her way to Westminster Abbey IRL and on our TV screens. More than a decade later, who can't picture that gorgeous lacy gown?

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
The 18 Best Gingham Dresses for Every Occasion
The quintessential summertime print isn't just for picnics.
By Sara Holzman
-
Kim Kardashian Has a Literal Warehouse to Store Her Clothes—and It Contains 30,000 Pieces
Very normal!!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Queen "Nurtures" the Cambridges' Relationship to Avoid the "Mistake" of Charles and Diana's Marriage: Royal Expert
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Queen "Nurtures" the Cambridges' Relationship to Avoid the "Mistake" of Charles and Diana's Marriage: Royal Expert
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Charlene of Monaco Opened Up About Dealing With Hurtful Rumors as She Returns to Public Life
The princess had been dealing with health issues since May 2021.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton Serves Big 'Bridgerton' Vibes at the Latest Royal Garden Party
The only difference is the waistline, TBH.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Why the Royals Have to Adhere to Strict Dining Rules, According to an Etiquette Expert
Imagine the infamy of sticking your pinky out when drinking tea, LOL.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry's Ex Chelsy Davy Just Got Married, Reportedly
She and Sam Cutmore-Scott share baby son Leo.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Is Worried About Archie and Lili Experiencing the "Online Harm" That Is Currently "Normalized"
He says the internet needs to change dramatically.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Sent a Heartfelt Message to British Soccer Player Who Came Out as Gay
Jake Daniels' decision will make such a huge difference.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William Shared Rare PDA in the Bahamas
The footage popped up on TikTok.
By Iris Goldsztajn