Kate Middleton

The Daily Mirror, one of London’s more entertaining tabloids, recently reported that the Palace has issued a corporate dictum literally begging UK companies to stop sending free samples of everything from linens and decorations to footwear and fashion accessories in the hope of having their product incorporated into the royal wedding plans.

Another royal embarrassment! This week the UK tabs are tittering over the fact that Kate Middleton’s see-through dress – the one she famously modeled at a university fashion show for an audience that included a suddenly smitten Prince William – is set to be auctioned off to the highest bidder next month.

There is no one who does pomp, circumstance and spectacle better than the English. And the reason seems to be: practice, practice, practice. In the very early hours of Wednesday morning thousands of soldiers, sailors (and candlestick makers?) took part in a full-scale dress rehearsal for the royal wedding. Here’s a little taste brought to you by The Royal Channel.

Reading back over my last few posts, it just occurred to me that I’ve managed to fall into a very common trap when it comes to talking about weddings, which is: It’s been all about the bride.