See the first sketches of Meghan's royal wedding dress

From Digital Spy

Kensington Palace has released two sketches of Meghan Markle's royal wedding dress designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy couture.

Both the new Duchess of Sussex and designer Clare worked closely on the gown which Kensington Palace says imbues "a timeless minimal elegance referencing the codes of the iconic House of Givenchy".

Meghan's understated, floor-length gown has been praised among fashion circles for its understated elegance that calls to mind Audrey Hepburn. The sketches show the dress from the front, back and side-on.

Despite months of speculation, Meghan and Clare managed to keep the gown a secret until the bride arrived at St George's Chapel on Saturday (May 19) for her wedding to Prince Harry.

The silk cady gown featured a bateau neckline and a triple silk organza under skirt, and was worn with a cathedral-length, five-metre-long veil trimmed with lace depicting flora from each of the 53 Commonwealth countries.

Birmingham-born Clare worked at Pringle of Scotland and Chloe, before joining Givenchy as the brand's first female artistic director in March 2017 – a fact that no doubt appealed to Meghan, who is a self-proclaimed feminist.

Kensington Palace stated that the bride chose to work with the designer, after meeting her in early 2018, "for her timeless and elegant aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, and relaxed demeanour".

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