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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Jennifer Newton

Kate Middleton forced to hitch up Coronation dress due to rain as she ditches tiara

A dazzling Princess of Wales has arrived for King Charles' Coronation and has wowed by in a show stopping ivory dress complete with a robe - but shocked by wearing no tiara.

Kate turned up at Westminster Abbey ahead of the historic spectacle wearing a formal robe alongside an Alexander McQueen dress in ivory silk crepe with silver bullion and thread work embroidery featuring rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock motifs, which she held up to stop it getting wet in the rainy weather.

But to the surprise of many, she didn't wear a tiara and instead opted for a Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen Headpiece with silver bullion, crystal and silver thread work three-dimensional leaf embroidery.

She beamed as she arrived at the Abbey with Prince William, who also wore a robe and the ceremonial dress of the Welsh Guards along with Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Kate wore earrings that belonged to Princess Diana (AFP via Getty Images)

Rumours had been swirling over which designer Kate would pick to create her Coronation outfit, with most fashion fans tipping her go-to designers with Alexander McQueen landing the gig.

Meanwhile, Kate also paid subtle nods to Princess Diana and the late Queen in her jewellery choices. She wore Diana's pearl and diamond earrings as well as the George VI Festoon Necklace. The necklace was made in 1950 at the request of King George VI for his daughter the now late Queen.

Charlotte twinned with her mum by also wearing an Alexander McQueen dress and a smaller version of the headpiece while Louis wore a Hainsworth Garter Blue Doeskin Tunic with specially designed lace work embellishment to the collar, cuffs and fronts.

Kate's headpiece was designed by Alexander McQueen and Jess Collett (PA)
Kate has no formal role in the ceremony (Getty Images)

After arriving, Kate took her seat in the Abbey with William, Charlotte and Louis as oldest son Prince George performed his page of honour duties for his grandfather the King.

Kate has no formal role in the Coronation ceremony, although will no doubt be looking on with pride as husband Prince William and eldest son Prince George are set to take part.

William will pay homage to his father the King by pledging allegiance to him while George is one of four young boys who have been picked to be pages of honour for the monarch.

The Wales family sat in the front row for the service (PA)

After the ceremony Kate along with William, George, Charlotte and Louis will join the procession back to Buckingham Palace behind the gold state coach, where the route has been lined with wellwishers.

In addition, the family will appear on the Palace balcony later where they will greet the huge crowds and enjoy the RAF flypast.

However, one royal relative that will not be joining them on the balcony is Prince Harry - who was hugely critical of brother William and sister-in-law Kate in his memoir Spare.

Charles and Camilla at Westminster Abbey (PA)

An insider claimed Harry will be "in and out of the UK in 24 hours" and that he won't attend the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle tomorrow night either so he can get back to son Archie, who turns four today.

The ceremony is expected to end at 1pm today so it is believed that the Duke could head to the airport straight after, possibly leaving the country at around 2pm or 3pm.

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