LittlePinkTop received an early copy of the book “Royal Trivia: Your Guide to the Modern British Royal Family,” in which authors Rachel Bowie and Roberta Fiorito explore “fascinating facts and stories about the British monarchy.” 

And yep, they didn’t leave out the fashion-related tidbits. For example, did you know that it wasn’t until a fashion show/charity event, “Don’t Walk,” that William took notice of Kate? “Up until this point, they’d both been dating other people, and William considered Kate to be a good friend,” the authors reported. 

According to the book, on the “Don’t Walk” catwalk, Kate appeared in a “see-through dress, and William was caught off guard.” Hmmm, maybe this should become relationship advice: want a wedding dress — get a see-through one first. I see through your intentions, girl.

And Kate’s wedding dress did follow. It was a Victorian-inspired Alexander McQueen dress created by Sarah Burton. She chose British brand Alexander McQueen for “the beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing,” according to an official statement. 

As the book Royal Trivia explains it: “This choice was her ‘something old.’ (The handmade lace technique on the sleeves and bodice, called traditional Carrickmacross craftsmanship, dates back to the 1800s. The motif — in the shapes of a rose, a thistle, a daffodil, and a shamrock to represent England, Scotland, Whales, and Northern Ireland respectively — was carried out by the Royal School of Needlework.)”

You may have heard of the “something old, new, borrowed, and blue” tradition, which is said to bring a bride good luck. I didn’t follow this rhyme but luckily, my husband and I are doing just fine.

Kate’s “something new” was a pair of pendant earrings designed by Robinson Pelham and gifted by her parents. They featured “stylized oak leaves and diamond pavé acorns,” an apparent nod to the coat of arms from Middleton’s family. Another touching detail: Kate asked Sarah Burton to sew a blue ribbon into the interior of her dress for good luck, just like her late mother-in-law Diana did.  

As for the “something borrowed,” it was a famous 1936 Cartier Halo Tiara, a loan from the Queen.

For most of us, an intimidating loan comes in the form of a mortgage or high interest credit card, not a historic tiara! Still, Kate is also known for being relatable. 

When the couple announced their engagement, she wore a $600 dark blue dress from Issa London, something that even us commoners could save up for.

And here’s a related piece of trivia: all the inventory for that dress sold out within 24 hours! “Thus began the ‘Kate Effect,’ aka Kate’s ability to put under-the-radar designers on the map,” according to Rachel Bowie and Roberta Fiorito, who went on to state that Kate is now known for “her ability to mix in off-the-rack” in a way that keeps her fashion “not only relatable but attainable.”

Kate isn’t the only royal causing fashion frenzies. Do you remember the Rothy’s flats worn by Meghan Markle on her Australian tour? They were also instantly sold-out! 

From the get-go, Meghan’s style was relatable. For example, the first time she and Harry stepped out together, she wore a white button-down called the “Husband Shirt” by Misha Nanoo and jeans from denim brand Mother. As Royal Trivia humorously points out, “a foreshadowing of events to come.”

And if you want to know some trivia about Meghan’s Givenchy dress, too, here it is! It was designed by the British-born designer Clare Waight Keller and as the statement from the Kensington Palace noted, it epitomized “a timeless minimal elegance.”

The focus of the dress was on its beautiful neckline, but it also showed off the slender waist. The three-quarter sleeves looked elegant and refined. “The lines of the dress extended towards the back where the train flows in soft round folds cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza,” read the statement.

Another exciting and symbolic fact: the incredibly lengthy, sixteen-and-a half foot veil, made of silk, had fifty-three flowers embroidered on it to represent each of the Commonwealth nations. 

And even though newly-weds didn’t stay in England or any other Commonwealth country for too long, they found a new home in Montecito, where Meghan’s fashion choices still attract admiration.

For more royal trivia, grab the appropriately-named book off a real (or virtual) shelf near you!