Kate Middleton May Have Chosen Wedding Dress Designer
LONDON, Jan. 17, 2011 — -- Has she or hasn't she? In the run up to the much-anticipated royal wedding, the latest word in London is that Kate has chosen a designer for her wedding gown.
Bruce Oldfield, an old favorite of Princess Diana, is tipped to be the man with the plan. Kate's mother and sister spent an hour at his London store last week.
Admittedly this is not confirmation per se, but at the very least it's a family endorsement.
In terms of the link with Diana, this wedding is laden with echoes of the people's princess. The first was William giving Kate Diana's ring.
"Obviously she's not going to be around to share any of the fun and excitement of it all -- this was my way of keeping her close to it all," said Prince William.
It's a little-known fact but the famous engagement ring actually belonged to Prince Harry. William's younger brother inherited it when Diana died. But when Harry heard of Will's intentions to ask for Kate's hand, he gave his brother the ring.
Another top "have they" question is whether the couple has decided where they will live after they are married.
It's certain they will spend time in Wales where William is a military helicopter pilot, but what about a London pad?
Buckingham Palace with the Queen? Apparently Her Majesty has offered. But will the newlyweds want to live with grandma?
"Obviously we want a family so we'll have to start thinking about that," said Prince William.
According to royal writer Katie Nicholl, Kensington Palace is in the cards.
"So they'll be looking for a home they can make a family home I really do think Kensington Palace is the best place for that," Nicholl told ABC News.
Diana lived at Kensington Palace after the separation from Charles. Apparently there are some renovations going on right now. Perhaps they are preparing for the newlyweds?
William has childhood memories at Kensington Palace, and it's a great location in terms of proximity to the couples' favorite Chelsea hotspots.
"They love to see their friends. And we know that Kate Middleton loves shopping in Kensington," says Nicholl.
Kate might love dipping into shops and bars, but she and William have said they don't want any wedding gifts. No toaster ovens. No his 'n hers bathrobes. They want their guests to give to charity.
"They would far rather futher the causes that are close to their hearts," Nicholl told ABC News. "They say they have everything they need."
Another rumour on the London wedding mill is that Kate's bachelorette party will be in a swank London bar called 86.
William's bachelor party, on the other hand, might be a bit more adventurous. The prince's nightclub-owning best friend guy Pelly, and party-loving brother are planning it.
We hear there might be two bachelor parties: one in London, one in Cape Town.
