21 April 2024 , 14:00
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Princess Kate's life changed forever when she walked down the aisle to marry Prince William.
But despite the pomp and grandeur of the Westminster Abbey ceremony, down-to-earth Kate added a surprising personal touch to the day. The Princess looked breathtaking in a fitted white V-neck gown with a long-sleeved lace overlay, designed for her by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
She completed her bridal look with a hand embroidered veil of soft, ivory silk tulle, sparkling Robinson Pelham diamond drop earrings, a gift from her parents, and the Queen's Cartier Halo tiara. Her hair on the day was created by senior stylist James Pryce from the Richard Ward salon and featured iconic bouncy waves with the top section pinned back into a half-up style.
But, while Kate could have had her pick of makeup artists on the day, she insisted on doing it herself, reportedly telling aides at the time that she "knows her own face".
She was rumoured to have had a series of private lessons prior to the wedding from London-based make-up artist Arabella Preston. And on the day, she created a softly smoky eye, and enhanced the apples of her cheeks with a pink blush colour, teamed with a matching lipstick shade.
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According to Vogue, Kate also received a manicure by Marina Sandoval from the Jo Hansford Salon in Mayfair, arranged by her new step-mother-in-law Camilla, the then-Duchess of Cornwall. Marina created a custom-blend for her nails, including Bourjois' no.28 Rose Lounge and Essie's 423 Allure, to create the off-white bridal shade the Duchess-to-be was looking for.
In comparison, royal brides before and after Kate have opted to get professional help on their wedding day. Princess Diana worked with makeup artist Barbara Daly, while Meghan Markle opted for a natural beauty look courtesy of Daniel Martin.
Both Zara Tindall and Princess Eugenie enlisted the help of Hannah Martin of Bobbi Brown. Eugenie went with an English-rose style makeup with rosy cheeks, while Zara chose a natural glow with brown eyeliner and mascara.
William and Kate are set to celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary at the end of the month. They will likely spend the day privately together - particularly in light of Kate's cancer diagnosis.
Last year, the couple released a sweet snapshot showing them on bikes and with their arms around each other on a sunny day in Norfolk. It was posted on the couple's official Twitter account with the simple caption "12 years" and a heart emoji.
Since their wedding, the pair have gone on to welcome three children together, Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis.