By Sarah Bull


Royal mother of the bride: Carole Middleton arrives at Westminster Abbey looking stunning in a blue Catherine Walker dress


Kate Middleton's mother Carole decided on a sky blue Catherine Walker outfit for her daughter's wedding to Prince William today, after apparently refusing to wear her specially-designed Lindka Cierach outfit at the last minute.

Carole looked stunning in the blue silk 'Sydney' day dress as she left London's Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey at 10.20 this morning and arrived at the Abbey with her son James, 23.

She teamed the dress, which featured short pleated sleeves and pleated pockets, with a blue wool crepe coatdress with matching satin piping and braid trimming at the waist and cuff.


Carole accessorised the outfit with a hat by Berkshire-based Jane Corbett.

It was reported that Mrs Middleton ditched a specially-designed outfit by Lindka Cierach, as well as a £400 hat by milliner Jess Collett just weeks before the wedding.

After four months attending many secret fittings, Kate’s mother is said to have left Ms Cierach stunned by refusing to wear it at the 11th hour.

Elegant: The outfit suited Carole's slim figure, and the sky blue colour complemented her brunette hair

Dignified: Carole exits the car at the Abbey with her son James


Mrs Middleton accused Ms Cierach, the London-based couturier best known for making the Duchess of York’s wedding dress, of being ‘unaccommodating’ and dramatically withdrew her business just weeks before the wedding.

A fashion source said Ms Cierach was ‘completely bemused after all the hard work she had put into creating the outfit’.

The couturier was commissioned soon after the announcement of the Royal engagement and asked to produce an elegant couture creation that would ensure Mrs Middleton would stand out from the crowd.

Stylish in ivory: Kate's sister Pippa looked stunning in a long ivory dress as she walked into the Abbey holding the hands of the young flowergirls

Bridal beauty: Kate waves to the crowd as she arrives at the Abbey with her father Michael


Meanwhile, Kate's sister Pippa wore an ivory V-neck long dress and looked elegant as she walked into the Abbey holding the hands of the young flowergirls.

With her hair pinned back, she looked stunning as she walked down the red carpet inside the Abbey.

All eyes were on Kate, however, as she arrived at the Abbey with her father Michael wearing a pretty lace ivory dress complete with veil and tiara.


Here come the boys: Kate's brother James and brother Gary Goldsmith (right) look smart in their suits


With her hair down, Kate epitomised vintage style in the dress, which had a long train, and carried a Lily of the Valley bouquet.

Ensuring her sister's train didn't get too dirty, Pippa held Kate up the stairs into the Abbey for the ceremony itself.


source:dailymail