The vintage Norman Hartnell gown that became one of the most unusual wedding picks of brides of the House of Windsor is to go on display.
The outfit, worn by Princess Beatrice for her marriage to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in July 2020, will be shown at Windsor Castle this autumn.
Beatrice’s wedding gown was designed by Norman Hartnell for the Queen and was worn by Her Majesty on several occasions in the 1960s and 1970s. It was altered for the latest royal wedding by the Queen’s dresser, Angela Kelly. Created from ivory peau de soie taffeta, the skirt features a band of ivory duchesse satin while the bodice is embellished with crystals and diamantés in geometric designs..
The gown will be shown alongside the bride’s shoes, designed by Valentino, and which she previously wore to another royal wedding, that of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2017. There will also be a replica of her bouquet which featured pink and cream blooms as well as the traditional myrtle from Osborne House and which was created by Patrice Van Helden, co-owner of RVH Floral Design.
Beatrice wore the gown with the diamond fringe tiara that the Queen wore for her own wedding in 1947 and which had originally been a necklace presented by Queen Victoria to Queen Mary as a marriage gift. However, that won’t be part of this bridal display.
The exhibition is included in the ticket price for Windsor Castle and visitors will be able to see it from September 24th until November 22nd 2020.
Princess Beatrice married Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on July 17th 2020 with the wedding only announced once it was over. The couple said their vows at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Windsor with just close family, including the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, present. Beatrice and Edoardo were originally meant to marry at St. James’ Palace in May this year but their celebrations were postponed when weddings in the UK were banned during the coronavirus pandemic.
