Kate Middleton sends her regrets

I'm a young, tall and beautiful woman who has been dating a prince for several years. My problem is that I'm having difficulty trying to live up to every single persons expectations about how I should behave/act/work/dress. Currently people are complaining that I didn't reply to an invitation to a charity function. How can I handle this situation in the future.

Dear modest princess-in-waiting,

This must be a difficult situation for you. How to graciously decline various invitations sent or not sent to you. You can't win, can you? There's only so much time in the day, better spent asking me for advice. It's almost as if you're the only 'young, tall, beautiful woman who has been dating a prince for several years' who has ignored an invitation. Come to think of it, you are.

However, having pointed that out, you're not the only person in the whole entire world who has ignored, backtracked or come up with some clever excuse to decline an invitation - [ahem, YOU know who YOU are]. There are many ways to creatively decline: you could claim illness, a sudden death of a beloved pet, or a previous (read: more interesting) engagement. For instance:

'I cannot attend because I'm unwell due to the death of my beloved pet and missing the funeral would look insensitive'

Add the word 'devastated' and you may get some flowers and a casserole out of it to boot.

Anyhoo, according to Google search results, proper etiquette states that you should, at minimum, acknowledge the invitation. This will, hopefully avoid those vindictive, do-gooder, charitable-types who sell their story to the press. Acknowledging could have bought you some time and it would have made you look good. As well, it would have deflected attention away from your parents X-Factor debacle. Where is Uncle Gary when you need him?

Remember, you are never safe from public opinion and you really should have known better. You can only coast on the wave of an imaginative wedding hat for so long. 

© Marilyn Braun 2010

Diagnosis: Kate Middleton fever

You may recognize the signs immediately: hyperventilation, excessive use of Twitter, and jump-on-the-bandwagon blog posts such as this one.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have Kate Middleton fever. If the photograph at left sends you into paroxysms of joy, you definitely have Kate Middleton fever.

This fever is not in itself fatal although people around you may want to take caution. If you, or someone you know experiences this fever, it is wise to keep as calm as possible. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a heart condition or a peanut allergy, extra caution is advised.

Many events can trigger symptoms. Articles in the Daily Mail, tabloid cover stories, recent photos of Kate Middleton, or even articles about Kate's family. If Prince William is photographed with her then you're symptoms are likely to be more acute. There is no need to head to your closest emergency room, the fever will eventually subside until the next round of photographs appears.

This fever is likely to strike at various times of the year, usually in waves. Starting in January on Kate's birthday, the rumors continue, leading up to the festive season. The unsubstantiated, conflicting rumors can occur daily or even weekly at their peak. For your own safety and the safety of those around you, it is advisable to refrain from using computer/hand-held devices and operating heavy machinery. Avoid grocery-lines and book store shelves. As well, fresh air and brisk outdoor activity is also recommended.

Treatment:

Take with regular grains of salt

© Marilyn Braun 2010

The Royal Report for Sunday October 24, 2010 - Is Lady Gaga more powerful than the Queen?

On the 2010 Forbes list of the World most powerful women, Lady Gaga ranked 7th on the list while the Queen came in 41st. Is Lady Gaga really more powerful than the Queen?

Listen to the episode here

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada No 191 25 October 2010

Hello! Royal Special The Royal Women Inside their legendary stories of love, power and passion

From My Royal Collection

The Queen and Her Children by Lisa Sheridan

Websites and blogs mentioned

The World of Royalty Website

The World of Royalty Blog

Resources

Forbes List of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women

The New Forbes Power Women

Tune in live to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday November 7, 2010 at 9:00PM EST (North America).

The topic will be: When the Queen goes to that glittering palace in the sky, can Prince Charles and Prince William modernize the monarchy for the 21st century?

© Marilyn Braun 2010

The Royal & The Clueless - Episode 19

On the last episode of The Royal & The Clueless, Prince William caught girlfriend Kate Middleton in Enrique's clutches. In an effort to avoid future awkward situations, Enrique was sent on a global tour to promote awareness of the lack of Party Supplies in Third World Countries. Enrique, recently returned from his tour, demoralized but with a thicker skin, tries to avoid Kate - to no avail.

Enrique: (*sigh*) Bono refused to meet with me

Kate: You think you have problems!

Enrique notes that Kate is pouting. Her mother Carole sits beside Kate, consoling her.

Enrique: What is it now?

Kate: (whimpering) William (*sob*) says (*sob*) his 'whole heart is with the Army' (*sob*)

Enrique smolders as he considers this new development

Carole: Nothing to fret about dear.

Carole suddenly visibly brightens

Carole: The word 'Army' must be code for Kate!

Enrique shakes his head

Kate: Oh Mummy, what will I do?

Carole: You'll just have to take a different approach, that's all.

Carole thinks for a moment and comes up with an idea.

Carole: We'll have to put you in camouflage!

Enrique: What?

Carole: They wear camouflage in the Army, right?

Enrique: Well, yes but..

Kate: Oh that's a brilliant idea!

Carole: We'll get you all kitted out! Vest, helmet, machine gun, the works!

Kate, looks hopeful. Enrique looks anxious. He rubs the scar from the stapler incident in episode 7

Enrique: Mrs Middleton?

Carole (gathering momentum): We'll sign you up for tank driving lessons!

Kate: Yes, Mummy! yes!!

Enrique kneels before Kate and takes her hands in his.

Enrique: Kate, do you think this is a sign?

Kate: A sign of what?

Enrique: You've given up everything, you've taken voice lessons and still...

Carole: (firmly) Never mind! I will not give up! It will be worth it in the end!

Kate: (confused) What?

Enrique: (delicately) Kate, maybe it's time to face reality?

Carole: Don't give up now Kate! The prize is in sight!

Enrique: No, Kate, don't...

Kate looks from her mother to Enrique, unsure of what to do next. Carole helps Kate to her feet and leads Kate away.

Carole: Kate, maybe Daddy can give you flying lessons....

Enrique gets up slowly and sighs

Enrique: I quit

Will Enrique really quit when there's so much potential in the storyline? Does Kate look good in camouflage? Will she learn how to drive a tank? Will she finally face reality?

Find out on the next episode of The Royal & The Clueless.

© Marilyn Braun 2010

Why the Prince Harry kidnapping film intrigues me

Oh the horror!

Actually showing the potential reality of the situation!

A first for any movie dramatizing the royal family where artistic licence is the norm.

Channel 4 in the UK is set to broadcast a film called 'The Taking of Prince Harry.' The film dramatises the third in line to the throne being kidnapped by the Taliban, 'shot with an unloaded pistol and forced to appear in Al-Qaida and Taliban propaganda videos'.

Now people are shocked, and high ranking military leaders are concerned for what it would do for morale or lest it give any terrorists ideas. The powers that be at Channel 4 have not bowed to pressure to shelve the film. Good for them.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want Harry to be harmed or kidnapped. But this is the reality when he heads over to Afghanistan to fight with his boys. The potential is always there. Or is it? A film depicting Prince Harry being kidnapped is seen as distasteful.  Is it better to dramatize the kidnapping of some other soldier provided we don't know who he/she is?

In 2008, when we saw footage of Harry in Afghanistan he was depicted in his job as a forward air controller, looking macho in camouflage while firing a machine gun, and foot patrolling a deserted Afghan town, hugging his weapon.  Yes, the photos of him were impressive. He played his role well. Certainly we should be proud that he 'walked the talk' and no question he did something to earn the medal he was awarded. But there is no way he would ever come into harms way. Guarded from birth, no one would ever let that happen. Prince Harry is a fool to think that he can fight like any other soldier. He may be fed the same food, allowed to get dirty, exposed to the elements and wear the same gear. But that's where the similarities end. Unlike his fellow soldiers, he has people who are paid to take bullets for him.

Which is why this special sounds so intriguing. What would happen if he did get kidnapped? How much would the ransom note be? Would the government *gasp* negotiate? Who would wring their royal hands more, Charles or the Queen? How would the military deal with it? How far would they go to secure Prince Harry's release? If they put the same amount of effort into rescuing him than they do for other soldiers, then maybe this film isn't so realistic after all.

I wish I could watch the film. It seems like it shows the potential reality Harry could have faced while in Afghanistan. And it faces the reality should he return there.

Maybe it's time that Clarence House did the same.

© Marilyn Braun 2010

The Royal Report for Sunday October 17, 2010 - What type of Royal Wedding should Prince William and Kate Middleton have?

Prince William and Kate Middleton have been dating for eight years. While there is no imminent wedding plans, this episode speculates on what type of wedding the couple could have and the history behind royal weddings of the past.

You can listen to the episode here

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada Weekly No 190 18 October 2010

Life & Style Weekly - October 18, 2010 - Cover story: Royal Dream Wedding

Blogs mentioned

British Royal Wedding

From My Royal Collection

Royal Wedding (Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip)

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday October 24th, 2010 at 9:00PM EST (North America)

The topic will be: According to a recent Forbes poll, Lady Gaga has come in 7th on the list of the world's most powerful women, while the Queen came in 41st. Is Lady Gaga really more powerful than the Queen?

© Marilyn Braun 2010

Royal Focus: The Duchess of Windsor's Jewels

When the Duchess of Windsor's jewels were auctioned off by Sotheby's in Geneva in 1987 the two-day sale raised a record $50,281.887, seven times the Sotheby's presale estimate. At the request of the late-Duchess, the money raised went towards the Pasteur Institute, the medical research centre in Paris.

On November 30th, some of the jewels will again be auctioned by Sotheby's.

These jewels were more than just beautiful craftsmanship, they are priceless symbols of love.

This Diamond Cartier bracelet, circa 1935 was designed as a single row of spectacle-set brilliant-cut diamonds, supporting nine gem-set Latin crosses made from Platinum, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Ruby, Baguette Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Aquamarine, and the marriage cross,comprised of Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald. Each cross, inscribed with affectionate phrases, marked special or significant events in the couple's relationship, including their wedding, a birthday, an assassination attempt on King Edward VIII, and the Duchess' appendectomy surgery in 1944,  This jewel was worn at their wedding in 1937.

This Emerald, Ruby and Diamond brooch was made by Cartier in 1957. The brooch is heart-shaped and is pave-set with circular-cut-diamonds, surmounted by a gold and calibre-cut ruby crown. At the center of the heart, the initials W.E. are marked in emeralds. Just below the initials, are the roman numerals XX in rubies.  This brooch was made to commemorate the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's twentieth wedding anniversary.

This Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Citrine and Diamond clip was mounted by Cartier in 1940. Created by Jeanne Troussaint for Cartier it was made by breaking up a necklace and four bracelets in the Duke's collection. Designed as a flamingo, the plumage is set with emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. The beak is set with a cabochon citrine and the head, neck, body and legs with brilliant-cut diamonds. The Duke reportedly gave the Duchess this clip as a birthday gift on June 19, 1940.

The Duchess of Windsor had a fascination with animals and it is no surprise that this fondness was expressed through her jewels. This item is one of several panther jewels in her collection. The Cartier 'Great Cat' Jewels were inspired by Jeanne Toussaint for Cartier, this Onyx and Diamond panther bracelet was made in 1952 and is designed to encircle the wrist, assuming a stalking attitude. It is pave-set with circular-cut diamonds and calibre-cut-onyx, and the eyes are set with marquise-shaped emeralds.

© Marilyn Braun 2010

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

The Royal Report for Sunday October 3, 2010- Is Kate Middleton suitable for the royal family?

Kate Middleton has been dating Prince William for eight years. There has been much discussion surrounding whether or not she is suitable for the royal family. Is she suitable for the royal family?

Listen to the episode to find out:

Is Kate Middleton suitable for the royal family?

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada Weekly No 189 4 october 2010

Blogs mentioned

British Royal Wedding

Videos mentioned

In Private - In Public: The Prince and Princess of Wales [VHS]

From My Royal Collection

In the Royal Manner: Expert Advice on Etiquette and Entertaining from the Former Butler to Diana, Princess of Wales by Paul Burrell

There will be no episode next week. Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday October 17, 2010 at 9:00PM EST

Topic to be determined

© Marilyn Braun 2010

The Royal Report for Sunday September 26th, 2010 - The wit, the wisdom, the life and times of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

The wit, the wisdom, the life and times of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Listen to the episode here

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada Weekly No 188 27 September 2010

The Duke of Hazard: The Wit & Wisdom of Prince Philip

Queen Elizabeth II: A Photographic Portrait

Television specials

Question: The Christening of Victoria, The Princess Royal Painting

My grandfather has a beautiful painting of Queen' Victoria's christening (1841) and born in 1840. I am trying to find a list of people who attended the event so I can pin point who is in the painting.

Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2016

The painting that your grandfather has is a reproduction of a work called The Christening of Victoria, The Princess Royal by Charles Robert Leslie. The original, an oil on canvas measuring 129.5 x 182.9 cm, is in The Royal Collection.

The Princess, who was born on November 21, 1840, was christened on her parent's first wedding anniversary, February 10, 1841. The christening robe that she wears is made from Honiton lace and white satin and was worn by all royal babies until 2008, when it was retired due to its age and fragile state. The baptismal lily font was commissioned by Queen Victoria. Made of Silver gilt, and measuring by height 43 cm; and diameter 43 cm, it is one of only two silver English fonts. The font is in the shape of a water lily, supporting a large shell. Inside the rim of the small shell were water lilies floating around the edge and water was specially brought from the River Jordan. The lilies were considered to represent purity and water lilies were associated with new life. This font has been used at all royal christenings since 1841.

Princess Victoria was christened in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace by William Howley, Archbishop of Canterbury. Her godparents were Leopold, King of the Belgians, Ernst I (her paternal grandfather), he was not present during the event and the Duke of Wellington stood proxy. The other godparents were Prince Augustus, Duke of Sussex (her great-uncle), Dowager Queen Adelaide, widow of King William IV, the Duchess of Gloucester (her great-aunt), and the Duchess of Kent (her grandmother).

The painting commemorating the event depicts, The Dowager Queen Adelaide on the left of the font, who named the child Victoria Adelaide Mary Louisa. Others in the painting include the Duchesses of Gloucester and Kent, King Leopold I of the Belgians, and the Duke of Sussex (all in the group on the left). Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are on the right of the font.
© Marilyn Braun 2010

The Royal Report for Sunday September 19, 2010 - The Life and times of Prince Andrew, Duke of York

On this episode, a look back at the life and times of Prince Andrew, Duke of York.

Listen to the episode here

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada Weekly No 187 20 September 2010

Toronto Star July 29, 1981

Hamilton Spectator July 30, 1981

From My Royal Collection

H. R. H. Prince Andrew by Anwar Hussein

Website Mentioned

The Duke of York - The UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment

Resources used to research this episode

The Official Site of the British Monarchy

Prince Andrew by Nicholas Courtney

Royal Heritage Series: The Story Of Prince Andrew

Prince Andrew and Prince Edward by Lornie Leete-Hodge

The Queen's Children by Donald Edgar

Little Princes: From Cradle to Crown by Sue Arnold



Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday September 26, 2010 at 9:00PM EST (North America)

The topic will be: The wit, the wisdom, a look back at the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

© Marilyn Braun 2010

The Royal Report for Sunday September 12, 2010 - Prince William and Kate Middleton rumors - Fact or fiction?

Recently there has been a lot of news surrounding when Prince William and Kate Middleton will get married. Followed by reported 'denials'.

Are these rumors fact or fiction?

Listen to the episode to find out

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada Weekly No 186 13 September 2010

Films discussed

Toronto International Film Festival - 2010 Films - King's Speech

CBC - The Queen in 3D

From My Royal Collection

Debrett's Book of Royal Children by Charles Kidd & Patrick Montague-Smith

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday September 19, 2010 at 9:00PM EST (North America)

The topic will be: Royal Focus: Prince Andrew, The Duke of York

© Marilyn Braun 2010

Win a copy of Someday My Prince Will Come by Jerramy Fine

The Sunday September 5th, 2010 episode of The Royal Report featured an interview with Jerramy Fine, author of the book Someday My Prince Will Come, the True Adventures of a Wannabe Princess.

Listen to the episode to find out how you can win a copy of her book.

The Royal Report for Sunday September 5th, 2010 - An Interview With Jerramy Fine

© Marilyn Braun 2010

The Royal Report for Sunday September 5th, 2010 - Interview with Jerramy Fine

© Marilyn Braun 2010

The Royal Report for Sunday August 29, 2010 - A Tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales

August 31st will mark the 13th anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. On this episode a tribute to her life and legacy.

You can listen to the episode here

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada No 185 30 August 2010

From My Royal Collection

Diana: The Portrait: Anniversary by Rosallind Coward

Resources used to research this episode

The Queen - DVD

Diana: A Celebration - Official Guidebook

Macleans magazine - Diana, her life and legacy Commemorative edition - September 1997

Macleans Magazine - Forever Diana - September 15, 1997

Newsweek - Farewell, Diana - September 15, 1997

Royalty Magaazine - September 1997

Majesty Magazine Commemorative Issue - September 1997

Time - Commeorative Issue September 15, 1997

Time - Special Report: Death of a Princess - September 8, 1997

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday September 5, 2010 at 9:00PM EST (North America)

TThe topic will be: In a special one hour episode, an Interview with Jerramy Fine, author of the memoir, Someday My Prince Will Come: True Adventures of a Wannabe Princess
Listen to that episode for your chance to win a copy of her book.

© Marilyn Braun 2010

Royal Focus: Royal Warrants

The next time you enjoy some Twinning tea or Johnnie Walker you may want to take a close look at the package. You may have seen this particular image before and not known what it means.

Since the Middle Ages, tradesmen and companies that have provided a service or goods to the Sovereign have received formal recognition through a Royal Warrant. Originally this patronage took the form of 'royal charters' granted collectively to various guilds in trades and crafts, which later became known as livery companies.

The first on record was given by Henry II in 1155 to the Weavers Company. Over the centuries, the relationship evolved between the Crown and individual tradesmen and was formalized through 'royal warrants'.  Currently, only three members of the royal family grant royal warrants - The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales. When she was alive, the Queen Mother also granted warrants, which were kept valid until 2007 - five years after her death. They are granted to companies that have provided services to the royal family for a minimum of five years. Upon issue, the royal warrant allows the grantee or company to use 'By Royal Appointment' and display the royal coat of arms on their products such as stationery, advertisements and other printed material, in his or her premises and on delivery vehicles.

Royal warrants are initially granted for five years after which point they come up for review. Should the goods or service reduce in quality or the supply of the product is insufficient to the Royal Household, a royal warrant will not be renewed. The warrants may be cancelled at any time or automatically come up for review should the holder die, leaves the business or if the company goes bankrupt or is sold. Some companies have a record of royal warrants over a 100 years. The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales can grant only one warrant to any individual business, however, there are some companies that hold all three.

Royal warrants are granted for a number of products and services, including dry-cleaners to fishmongers, agricultural machinery to computer software.  There are currently approximately 800 Royal warrant holders, holding over 1,100 Royal warrants between them (some have more than one Royal warrant).

The Royal Report - Where do the show ideas come from?

Note: Click on the video to view it in full!






© Marilyn Braun 2010

The Royal Report for Sunday August 22, 2010 - The Princess Royal at 60

Princess Anne, The Princess Royal celebrated her 60th birthday on August 15th. The only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, she is considered to be the hardest working royal yet her causes get little attention. On this episode I look back at her life and highlight this misunderstood royal.

Listen to the episode here

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada August 23, 2010 No 184

Star Magazine August 23, 2010 issue - Cover story William & Kate Royal Romance in Ruins

OK! Magazine weekly August 23, 2010 - Cover Story The William & Kate Wedding Tell-All!

From My Royal Collection

Riding Through My Life HRH The Princess Royal with Ivor Herbert

Resources used for this episode

The Official Website of the British Monarchy - The Princess Royal

The Princess Royal by John Parker

Princess Anne;: A royal girl of our time by Anne Matheson and Reginald Davis

Anne: The Working Princess by Paul James

Anne and Mark - Text by Judith Campbell, Photographs by Srdja Djukanovic

Tune in live to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday August 29, 2010 at 9:00PM EST (North America)

The topic will be: August 31, 2010 will mark the 13th anniversary of the death  of Diana, Princess of Wales. On this episode, a tribute to the late princess.

© Marilyn Braun 2010

Keep calm in the face of Prince William and Kate Middleton engagement rumors

I would advise everyone to stay calm and remain seated. Resist the urge to go to your nearest store and buy the latest issue of OK magazine with William and Kate on the cover. Slowly take your hand away from your purse/wallet. Ignore your Google alerts about an upcoming announcement in November and don't read too much into Kate's no-show at Gatcombe Park, where William demonstrated his prowess by taking photos with his phone.

These stories are just red-herrings because there is no real news about William and Kate (Oh, where is Tina Brown when I need her to illustrate my point?). We can be forgiven for jumping to conclusions, scoffing at these stories while reading every word. After all, what else is there to do?

But as you resist, you become stronger. Capable of reading between the lines of William and Kate stories.  For instance:

1) William and Kate photographed together in actual close physical contact/appearing together at a significant event (Read: They're still together. Phew!)

2)  William and Kate in close proximity looking serious. (Read: Not a good sign, but at least they're in the same frame)

3) Kate smiling enigmatically on the cover of Hello! (Read: Hello! is grasping at straws). There could be any number of reasons why Kate is smiling. It's a facial expression she'll have to lose when she marries into the royal family.

4) William or Kate photographed in separate situations - he at Gatcombe Park, she carrying mysterious rolls of paper while looking determined. (Read: Going about their lives as separate individuals. Or Kate has diagrams of Gatcombe Park to infiltrate the event. She failed.)

5) The cover of OK/Star Magazine showing pictures of William and Kate, with the headlines 'A Wedding Just Like Diana's!' or 'William & Kate's $40 Million Wedding of the Century!'    (Read: Nuff said!)

6) Stories about Kate working. (Read: Don't insult our intelligence)

7) Kate pregnant with William's baby (Read: Don't start knitting just yet)

8) Kate cheating on William (Read: Well, can you really blame her?)

9) William and Kate are related (Read: No worries. Keeping it in the family is a royal family tradition)

10) Specific predictions for engagement announcements and wedding dates (Read: Someone is using the Magic 8 ball again)

© Marilyn Braun 2010

Royal Focus: Princess Diana's Wedding Dress

When people attempt to describe the wedding dress of Diana, Princess of Wales, the words voluminous, iconic, meringue, fairy-tale tend to be used. But it's difficult to put into words the impact of it both on fashion and on the memory of those who watched Diana alight from the carriage, as if a 'butterfly emerging from a chrysalis'. Unlike any royal wedding dress before or since Diana's will always be in a league of its own.

The dress, designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, took four months to make and was made of ivory pure silk taffeta. The bodice was fitted and boned with a wide frill around the curved neckline. It has embroidered lace panels on the front and back. The sleeves are full and gathered into a taffeta frill at the elbow with lace flounce underneath. The skirt of the dress as full, worn over a crinoline petticoat consisting of many layers of ivory tulle and trimmed around the waist and hem with embroidered lace.

The train, trimmed with lace, was 25-feet long - the longest to date.

The veil, measuring 11 1/2 foot by 40 foot, was hand-embroidered with 10,000 3mm mother-of-pearl sequins. Diana wore the Spencer family tiara for something borrowed. The something old was a piece of lace from Queen Mary, and for something blue, the Emanuel's hand-sewed a little blue bow into the back of the dress. The couple also added a tiny,golden horse-shoe made of 18-carat Welsh gold, studded with diamonds, sewn into the back of the label of the dress.

Diana carried a large, cascading bouquet. On her feet Diana wore slippers by Clive Shilton. Trimmed with lace from the dress, and made of silk duchess satin, dyed to match the color of the dress, the shoes had 542 mother-of-pearl sequins on each pair, each knotted by hand. The fluted heel was made of bits of leather and wood and the soles were hand-painted with the letters "C" and "D" entwined with a heart.

© Marilyn Braun 2010

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.