The Princess of Wales finally treated keen royal fans to a full look at her mesmerising Coronation dress in the official portraits that were released from the big day
When Kate Middleton arrived at Westminster Abbey to attend the newly-crowned King Charles and Queen Camilla's Coronation, her exquisite Alexander McQueen gown was almost entirely covered by her formal robe - the Royal Victorian Order mantle.
Kate wore the cloak throughout the entire day including on the Buckingham Palace balcony but eventually ditched it to show off her stunning bespoke dress in the official Coronation photo which was taken after the ceremony.
However, eagle-eyed royal fans were puzzled to notice that the distinctive V-shaped necklace of the gown in the official photo was seemingly different to when Kate was at the abbey and appeared to have a round neck frock on.
It led to widespread speculation on social media that the royal may have had two dresses specially made for her despite the embroidery on the skirt remaining the same in both snaps, the Mirror reports.
However, the mysterious neckline of the dress appears to have been explained and it seems it could all have just been down to Kate wearing a separate garment on top.
Alastair Bruce, Sky News commentator and royal expert, claims that Kate wore an additional cape over the top of her dress to prevent it from being damaged by the heavy mantle and chains she was required to wear over the top.
Taking to Twitter to explain, he wrote: "Additional temporary cape to compliment mantle, collar and protect dress from wire woven fastening cords, with heavy swagged knots."
Meanwhile another observant royal fan on Twitter managed to spot the appearance of a potential cape worn underneath the robe as Kate walked into the Abbey with her husband Prince William.
It appears that for the official Coronation photos, Kate removed the cape, revealing the detailed V-shaped neckline and the stunning George VI Festoon family heirloom necklace around her neck which was a gift to the late Queen Elizabeth in 1950.
Kate's Alexander McQueen dress was created from ivory silk crepe with silver bullion and thread work embroidery featuring rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock motifs to represent the four nations.
Her divine look was completed with a Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen headpiece with silver bullion, crystal and silver threadwork three dimensional leaf embroidery.
The Princess was straight back to work yesterday after a packed weekend of Coronation celebrations as she and William hosted a Buckingham Palace garden party alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Eight thousand people were invited into the grounds for the event which celebrated the work of volunteers, military personnel and members of the public.
Kate made the sustainable decision to re-wear a light blue Ellie Saab skirt that she previously wore to the Royal Ascot four years ago. Sophie also looked dazzling in the same colour as their husbands put on a stylish display in smart waistcoat suits.
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