The minute Prince William slipped an engagement ring onto Kate Middleton’s finger, eager royal watchers and compulsive gamblers were placing bets on the royal wedding of the century.
But one particular wager was most hotly contested — that is, who will make Middleton’s dress for the big event?
“This particular bet was by far and away the most popular shortly after the announcement they were to be married,” says Rupert Adams, spokesman for William Hill, a popular bookmaker in the UK.
PHOTOS: KATE MIDDLETON’S POTENTIAL WEDDING DRESSES
After the couple’s betrothal last fall, a flurry of speculation ensued, and 30 designers — some established, others relatively unknown — were in the running, according to Adams. An early favorite was Bruce Oldfield, but after the bride’s sister, Pippa, and mother, Carole, were seen visiting his atelier in December, his stock dropped.
“Bruce Oldfield was very popular in the beginning,” says Adams. “[But] everyone knew if one of the two [relatives] was getting their dress from him, there’s no way Kate will get hers there, too.” (And yesterday Oldfield confirmed he is not the chosen one.)
More recently, Sarah Burton — who took over the reins at Alexander McQueen after the volatile but talented designer killed himself last year — has pulled ahead as front-runner to design the dress. But on April 16, a dark horse suddenly emerged, when the Huffington Post reported that Middleton was secretly collaborating with designer Sophie Cranston of Libelula.
Whichever designer Middleton ultimately chooses, she’ll wear a dress created just for her. Here we present other gowns by those designers, with betting odds from Irish bookmaker Paddy Power.
Who will be given the royal seal of approval? The Post’s fashion experts weigh in with their thoughts.