CBS News/ July 23, 2011, 1:23 PM

Queen said to think Kate dress exhibit "horrid"

London's latest tourist attraction is expected to draw record crowds to Buckingham Palace this summer when the dress Kate Middleton wore on that fairytale day she married Prince William goes on display.

But, reports CBS News Correspondent Dana Lewis, Queen Elizabeth is apparently much less than thrilled with the exhibit - even though, at $28 a ticket, it's expected to bring $13 million into royal coffers this summer.

The dress hasn't been seen since the royal wedding of the couple now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Pictures: Kate's wedding dress on display

It's now on a royal mannequin in the palace ballroom, and is considered so beautiful that, officials say, it wasn't put under a glass display so visitors can see the stunning detail.

The show's curator, Caroline de Guitaut, calls the dress a work art and a tribute to British couture, telling CBS News, "The display really gives people a sense of the idea of the great British design behind not only the dress, but also the wonderful wedding cake and the other elements of this display."

There are Kate's shoes, Kate's cake (a replica), and Kate's Cartier tiara, lent to her by the queen, who gets it back.

The monarch is, Lewis observes, apparently not pleased with the display. British media quote her as saying it's "horrid," adding that, because the mannequin has no head, it looks very creepy.

Most brides hang their dresses in the closet never to be seen again. But this dress, Lewis notes, lives on.

28 Comments Add a Comment

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agnesdeo says:: Gee, Kate isn't even the Queen and she has already lost her head...brings back tragic history of Queens in England. "Off with her head!"; reply

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GollyRojer says:: Hey, queen: if you don't like the way it's done, then do it yourself or shut up.; reply

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Rachinc says:

Did you even bother running spell check? "The dress hasn't veen seen since the royal weeding"


Harden_Tar replies:: linkicon reporticon emailicon; Spell checker won't find that. Weeding is a perfectly acceptable word. If the Queen and Charles went out back and pulled up some dandelions, that would be a royal weeding. You need an actual human to read that before posting.

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skeezix06 says:: I think the tiara and the veil floating above the dress is what makes it spooky. I think they should be displayed separately/in a different case or location in the room.; reply

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cuffhead says:: Ok, 28 dollars is a little pricey, but if there are people willing to pay--go for it. Look what people pay to see a sports figures uniform or celebrities clothes. That's just as dumb.; reply

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tiredofeverything says:: 28 dollars to look at a dress lol
man people are so stupid; reply

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oneolderguy57 says:: If the Royals had to work and i mean work for a living,instead of having everything handed to them they would cry.I think its a shame the taxpayers have to pay for all these Royals and so called world leaders to live the care free life style and have no worry's in the world. Never worry about paying monthly bills, and hope they have enough money to get by on each week and in some peoples cases every day.; reply

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oneolderguy57 says:: Stiff necks, the Queen just needs to have a lil sex to get over her pissy attitude.Loosen up grandma you have had your time in the sun now let some else enjoy theirs.Besides who really gives a crap about the royals,all they do is get a free ride through life from the tax payers, just like our Gov't does.; reply

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skeezix06 says:: Actually, it is kind of spooky without a head or face or something.; reply

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mari1963 says:

The queen doesn't like it because she's jealous plain and simple. She was jealous of Diana's popularity and she's jealous of Kate too. You know why? The Queen has no style. She never has. Her hair is stiff from too much hair spray, she never smiles, her husband is a cheat and always has been, and her clothes are horrible. The woman wears dresses that look like something out of a nightmare. Does the queen own a pair of decent slacks? Has anyone ever seen her in a pair? PLEASE! The reason her family is so dysfunctional is because of her! She should keep her mouth shut and stop talking about something she knows nothing about. She knows nothing about style ! Retire already !!!


mitch0927 replies:: linkicon reporticon emailicon; mari1963, you must be the smartest person in the world. With all the answers you have for everything. You must be a mind reader too, because you knew what people thought, but had an answer for that too. I'm surprised you didn't comment on how poorly the story was written, but it seems you would rather bash the Queen of England instead. MORON!!