he November 20, 1947 England and half the world awoke expectantly: Elizabeth II and Philip MountbattenThe Duke of Edinburgh was set to marry in front of 2,000 guests at Westminster Abbey, but there will be many more people who may follow their nuptials. They are going to be married for the first time royal Broadcast around the world on BBC radio, the dress chosen by the then-Princess will go down in posterity as one of the most iconic designs, marking a before and after in bridal fashion.
© Getty ImagesA wedding dress on a budget
Before detailing the wardrobe, it’s important to put yourself in context to understand the many decisions Elizabeth II made about her wardrobe. Celebrations are held only two years after the marriage is over World War II. They are about to get married royal of the year, but the budget allocated for design cannot be too large; The British economy, like many others, was not going through its best moments.
For this reason, Elizabeth II collected coupons herself to be able to pay for the materials that would shape the piece, a gesture with which she aroused the sympathy of the English. After learning she was saving up to model for her big day, her most loyal followers sent her their own coupons. Finally, seeing the loving response, he returned them The government has decided to increase the budget.
© Getty ImagesThe responsibility of making the bride’s dress fell on the famous British couturier Norman Hartnell Who, following the fashion dictates of the time, created an ivory design with marked shoulders, tight sleeves, a sweetheart neckline and a wasp waist. A creation that soon became one of the most spectacular pieces by its designer, who came to consider it the pinnacle of his career, declaring it the most beautiful he had ever created.
© Getty Images
© Getty ImagesChina gifts made of silk satin give shape to the dress 25 seamstresses and 10 embroiderers They worked for weeks on every little detail. And, so often common in royal bridal looks, symbolic elements are very important.
Embroidery, a hallmark of Hartnell’s creations, was distributed throughout the garment. They incorporate British and Commonwealth floral symbols in gold and silver thread, 10,000 pearls Coming from both Great Britain and the United States, its inlays rhinestones and Swarovski crystals. Also inspired by the work were flower and wheat motifs the springBy Botticelli. and an Irish four-leaf clover, woven into the skirt, which the designer incorporated as a nod to good luck for the bride.
The design was completed with a fan-shaped tail and a wonderful Veil made of silk tulle Coming from Egypt and embroidered with similar details on clothing.
© Getty Images
© Getty ImagesTiara mishaps, a lost necklace and a lost bouquet
Being a royal wedding, there was hardly any room for improvisation, but it was inevitable that some mishaps would arise, one of which involved the tiara. Elizabeth II planned to wear Fringe tiaraA jewel that was made for Queen Mary in 1919 with the diamond that Queen Victoria gave her as a wedding gift. But the piece in question It broke a few hours before the link. Although her mother offered to replace it with another one, the then princess refused and the court jeweler on duty had to repair it in an emergency. This express repair is visible in the big day portrait, since, if we look closely, it is possible to guess an additional space in front.
© Getty ImagesApart from the tiara, the bride wore discreet earrings. The jewel was a gift from King George III’s daughter, Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester. The originals were much larger, but when Queen Mary inherited them, she took them apart and gave them to Elizabeth II on her twenty-first birthday. Also taken a necklace Which, again, has an anecdote. This pearl accessory, which was actually two different pieces that she decided to wear together (one from Queen Anne and the other from Queen Caroline), was not with her when she was getting ready, having been forgotten at St. James’s and Elizabeth’s privy. The secretary had to go look for him.
© Getty ImagesAlthough it may sound unbelievable, ‘there are no two without three’ is true in this case. Branch is missing added to accident with jewellery. Famous florist Martin Longman created a floral composition for Elizabeth II White orchid and myrtleA plant that has been included in the British royal bouquet since the marriage of Queen Victoria in 1840. The myrtle in Elizabeth II’s bouquet was taken from a bush planted by Queen Victoria herself at Osborne House, her Isle of Wight residence. But the most interesting thing about this waterfall shaped design is that it disappears in the morning. Luckily, they found it: a footman had put it in a cooler to keep the flowers in perfect condition.
© Getty Images