As the world waits for Catherine Middleton to step out of the State Landau carriage, our eyes are fixed firmly on the red carpet arrivals of the leading-lady guests, giddy with questions like, “Which royal will wear the most eccentric outfit? Will anyone break tradition and avoid a hat? What will the mother-of-the-bride-choose? Will Julia Gillard do us proud?”
Guests are gathering in an orderly queue compiled of smart suits, pretty pastels and fabulous head gear. Thankfully, colourful splashes of teal, fuchsia and yellow far outweigh a few beige smatterings.
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Prince Harry’s girlfriend Chelsy Davy is wearing one of her two custom-made Alberta Ferretti dresses for the occasion, an aqua green classic boat-necked dress, teamed with am understated beige hat.
Victoria Beckham glided in wearing a classic little navy dress from her own label, along with a matching pillbox Philip Treacy hat and a slick ponytail, while David looked dashingly handsome in Ralph Lauren. Simple and chic. Best dressed of the day perhaps?
Elton John added his own twist on a formal tailed tuxedo — a purple tie and yellow vest. Just the right amount of quirk.
Our own Julia Gillard turned up in one of her signature jackets (Carla Zampatti, of course) over a navy shift dress. Her hair is pulled back, her make-up fresh and she’s added a nice touch of sparkle in her ears. Even her matching navy mesh hat is a lovely understated touch.
Samantha Cameron, Britain’s own political fashionista, was supposed to be wearing Christopher Kane. Instead she’s opted for a teal green (much like Chelsy’s) cap sleeved shift dress by English fashion house Burberry. Her statement necklace in contrasting orange turned the dress from dowdy to elegantly modern.
Mother-of-the-bride, Carole Middleton, looks lovely in an oyster coloured knee-length dress with a matching clean-lined, soft overcoat, and wide-brimmed hat. While she was supposed to be dressed in the family’s favoured designer Alice Temperley, this Catherine Walker design is minimalism at its best.
The queen arrived to Beatle-mania screams from the crowd, looking utterly divine in canary yellow, her Philip Treacy top hat decorated with a posy of delicate yellow flowers , while Camilla Parker Bowles is wearing Anna Valentine, the same designer who made her wedding dress.
Pippa Middleton, Catherine’s sister and maid-of-honour arrived just before the bride in a dress also designed and created by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen. In a white, simple, slender, ivory satin dress, she looked nearly as breathtaking as the bride.
Related: Get the latest royal wedding news here
The special royal wedding commemorative issue of the magazine will be on sale Wednesday, May 4, featuring all the photos and unrivalled coverage.
Your say: Who do you think is best dressed so far?
Video: Guests arrive at Westminster Abbey
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