The dress: Fashion designers pass judgement

Donatella Versace hailed it "beautiful", even the acerbic Karl Lagerfeld conceded it was "elegant" and "very pretty", and Christian Lacroix exclaimed "she’s radiant; She never was so beautiful".

Indeed, most of the leading figures of the fashion industry concurred that Sarah Burton's design was a triumph. Viktor & Rolf said today that “Kate’s dress was simply elegant. Her hair down was a beautiful and natural touch, and the tiara was stunning. She looked as at-ease as humanly possible and was radiant. Our compliments.” (WWD)

Antonio Marras of Kenzo was unreserved in his praise: “McQueen was a brilliant choice. The choice of the label and the style of the dress was a very clever mix between edgy fashion and tradition - all in a very British way. You could see references to Grace Kelly or Queen Elizabeth's dresses, but in a simpler, more modern way. I loved her hair down. It looked perfectly natural and noble. Truly royal." Peter Copping of Nina Ricci agreed, describing it as “very much in a royal tradition, reminiscent of Queen Elizabeth’s – and a little bit Grace Kelly. She looks happy, radiant