In consultation with the then-Princess Elizabeth, Norman Hartnell was tasked with making the dress just three months before her marriage to Philip Mountbatten. Embroidered with seed pearls – 10,000 of them – the design was executed in a record seven weeks by a full-time workforce of 350 women. With post-war rationing still in effect, the princess saved up clothing coupons to pay for her ivory silk gown.
Katharine, Duchess of Kent
237 yards of silk
The Duke of Kent marries Katharine Worsley at York Minster, June 1961
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Katharine Worsley’s John Cavanagh gown required 237 yards of silk gauze, and was so heavy that there was concern she might struggle to walk or kneel. (With Queen Elizabeth II a guest, the bride practised her curtsey intensively.) More practically, she had three veils: one for the day, one for rehearsal and one in reserve at home.
25 feet of taffeta
Prince Charles and Princess Diana
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