The Curious Reason Behind Princess Catherine’s Secret Second Wedding Dress — Seen by Only 300 Guests

In 2011, Catherine, Princess of Wales, donned a second breathtaking wedding dress to mark her marriage to Prince William. However, it was only viewed by 300 guests.

Thirteen years ago, Kate Middleton dazzled the world as she walked down the aisle with her father in a stunning wedding gown crafted by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

While her first dress made international headlines, Kate also wore a second dress at a private evening reception. According to a royal expert, this dress was a true reflection of her personal style. Kate opted for the British McQueen brand, known for its exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to traditional techniques.

The Palace stated at the time that she wanted a gown that combined tradition and modernity with the artistic vision of Alexander McQueen. The first dress, made of elegant French Chantilly and English Cluny lace, cost a staggering £250,000 and became an iconic symbol of her wedding day. However, her second dress, though less publicized, was just as special.

Stylist and royal fashion expert Miranda Holder shared that some royals opt for a second wedding dress after the ceremony, which allows them to move beyond formalities and express their true selves. In an interview with The Express, she explained that a second dress offers brides the chance to reveal their personal style and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere following the official event and photos.

Kate’s second outfit, while still elegant, was notably simpler and more casual. Holder characterized it as “simple and sweet,” featuring a “very pretty” cardigan. However, she observed that Kate didn’t seem to have the opportunity to fully relax.

“Having a second option allows these blushing brides a moment to fully express who they really are, how they want to look — and more importantly feel — once the initial formalities of the ceremony and official photographs are over,” Holder explained. While she noted that the Princess of Wales ‘continued the formalities’ with her second look, she also mentioned that Kate had “scaled down in terms of grandeur and lost her enormous train.”

If you enjoy looking at wedding dresses on celebrities, be sure to check out our other article, where we showcase what actresses who portrayed brides on screen wore on their real wedding days.