The designers behind the royal wedding dresses throughout history

From Clare Waight Keller to Sarah Burton, these are the prestigious designers behind those famous gowns
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Sabrina Carder10 October 2018

On Friday, the second royal wedding of 2018 will take place between Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

Naturally, one of the most anticipated moments of the day will be the grand reveal of the 28-year-old's wedding dress.

What do we know so far? That a "British-based designer" is behind it. Whilst we're unlikely to know more until she ventures down the aisle, it is possible Eugenie will follow in the footsteps of previous royal brides, in terms of style or perhaps even designer.

Ahead of the big day, let us take a look back at some of the most famous wedding dresses from royal brides in Britain and beyond.

The Duchess of Sussex, designed by Claire Waight Keller

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle after their wedding.
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Eugenie's dress will undoubtedly be compared to that of Meghan Markle's earlier on this year.

One of the more simple royal wedding designs we've seen in recent years, Meghan's gown was created by Givenchy's first female artistic director, Clare Waight Keller.

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Whilst it was very much a unique creation, the length of her veil nodded a little to Princess Diana's Eighties ensemble, measuring an impressive five metres (Diana's train came out at seven metres). Meghan's tulle veil was also influenced by another royal bride; covered in floral embroidery, to represent the 53 Commonwealth countries, it took inspiration from The Queen's veil of 1947.

The Duchess of Cambridge, designed by Sarah Burton

Kate Middleton on her wedding day in 2011
Getty Images

Kate née Middleton walked down the aisle of Westminster Abbey in 2011, in an ivory Victorian-inspired dress by Alexander McQueen's creative director, Sarah Burton.

With an ivory satin bodice, her dress was covered with intricate lace that had been hand appliqued by the Royal School of Needlework in Hampton Court Palace.

The elegant full skirt and train also incorporated lace applique detail, although the train itself was considered 'short' for royal standards, measuring just under three metres.

Alessandra de Osma, designed by Jorge Vazquéz

Alessandra de Osma and Prince Christian of Hanover on their wedding day in 2018
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For Alessandra de Osma's marriage to Prince Christian of Hanover in Peru earlier this year, Alessandra opted for a similar lace style to Kate Middleton, designed by Spanish designer Jorge Vazquéz.

Her choice of a relatively unknown designer was unusual; in recent years, European brides have tended to commission the services of the high fashion houses.

Princess Claire Of Luxembourg on her wedding day in 2013
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Princess Claire of Luxembourg, for example, wore a stunning lace design by Elie Saab to wed Prince Félix of Luxembourg in 2013. That same year, Princess Madeleine of Sweden opted for a heavily lace-adorned wedding dress by Valentino.

And in 2011, Princess Charlene of Monaco stunned in a minimal off-the-shoulder gown by Armani Privé.

The Duchess of York, designed by Linda Cierach

The Duke and Duchess of York during their wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey, (PA Archive/PA Images)
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Another wedding dress that will certainly be compared to Eugenie’s is that of her mother's, Sarah Ferguson. When she wed the Duke of York in 1986 she wore an ivory duchesse satin dress, heavily adorned in beaded detail and featuring puff sleeves and a full skirt - a typical style of the Eighties.

The dress was designed by British couturier​ Linda Cierach and also featured a 17-foot long train which included the couples initials, A and S, sewn in silver beads - a sentimental gesture Eugenie may choose to copy.

Princess Diana, designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel

Diana, Princess of Wales on her wedding day in 1981
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In 1981 Diana Spencer walked down the aisle in a extraordinary creation by British design duo, David and Elizabeth Emanuel.

The billowing ivory dress was made up of silk taffeta embroidered with tiny mother-of-pearl sequins and pearls. The fitted bodice also boasted lace panels from material which once belonged to Queen Mary.

A spectacle to behold, the tulle veil was almost as long as the train, which measured no less than 25 feet.

Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Norman Hartnell

Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh on their wedding day in 1947
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When Princess Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten in 1947, she chose to wear a design by Norman Hartnell, a British designer who, two years earlier, had gained a Royal Warrant as dressmaker to Elizabeth's mother, Queen Elizabeth.

The dress was covered in over 10,000 hand-embroidered pearls and crystals, the designer citing Boticelli's painting Primavera as his source of inspiration.

The fan-shaped train was made of delicate silk tulle and covered in embroidered roses and wheat motifs, measuring 14 feet.

Princess Margaret on her wedding day in 1960
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Following tradition, The Queen's sister, Princess Margaret, also chose a dress by the royally-approved designer on her big day in 1960.

Grace Kelly, designed by Helen Rose

Grace Kelly on her wedding day in 1956
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Hollywood star Grace Kelly, who married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956, may also prove a source of inspiration for Eugenie.

The bride's gown was made up of ivory faille, with over 100 yards of silk net, designed by Academy Award-winning costume designer Helen Rose.

Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, designed by Madame Handley Seymour​

Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon on her wedding day in 1923
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In 1923 Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (later Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother) wed Prince Albert (later George VI) in a medieval-inspired gown made by Madame Handley Seymour, a former court dressmaker.

The dress featured panels of silver lamé, adorned with pearls, and boasted not one but two veils - one secured at the hip, and the other, flowing from the shoulders.

Scroll through the gallery above to see who has designed royal wedding dresses throughout history