We all know that the official wedding dress for Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, was designed flawlessly by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen and made by a selection of craftsmen and women from the UK and around the world. It was a spectacular success as a well-kept secret. It was also a resounding success as a royal wedding dress. There were almost no complaints. So a hearty well played to all involved, especially Kate — a young woman who clearly knows what she wants, commands respect and is the epitome of a fairy tale princess for a modern world. Watching the wedding with my small nieces was a wonderful experience and I am delighted that they have a role model such as Kate to look up to.

I found the second look — for the evening reception — a measured hand played perfectly. The fun of the little mohair bolero was a glorious touch. As was the diamante belt that said 'party' in a dignified whisper. It's a pity we could see the hip-plumping measures taken to make the skirt fall full and wide, but I will happily live with that in the context of a wonderful day. (And didn't Camilla look lovely?)

But I was also interested in the 'before and after' outfits. And it is these that spoke more loudly of the approach this modern royal plans to take, certainly in the first couple of years of marriage. Let's get those clumpy patent wedges and pantyhose out of the way first. Yuk. But much like the Queen, Catherine has five or six pairs of shoes that she wears repeatedly. And these are her 'casual, girl about town' choice. Fine.
Then let's look at the uniform of flippy, high street printed dresses (in dubious fabric choices) and fitted jackets. Certainly this is a conservative yet on-trend approach. It is also frugal, down-to-earth and very accessible, Girls all over the world can wear these exact outfits, affordably. This offers a wonderful balance to the more formal looks she has to wear on official engagements and, while I hate the fabrications, it is age-appropriate. Not being seen to spend too much on clothes, off-set against the demands of a fashion-hungry public is a very difficult balance, and Kate already seems to have this licked already. Goodness. I find myself in a bit of awe. Well played lady.