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    1. Culture

    5 Things You Didn't Know about the Royal Wedding

    From the couture lace to the bike-riding photogs, learn the last-remaining secrets of the big day.

    By Lauren N. Williams
    Published 19 May 2011 In Features

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    By now, you're likely well-versed in Royal Wedding trivia and could rightly call yourself an expert — but we managed to dig up a couple more little-known facts about the big day last month.

    kate middleton

    (Image credit: Archives)



    1. Kate Middleton's haute couture lace

    French lacemaker Sophie Hallette was commissioned to provide the lace in Middleton's stunning Alexander McQueen dress. In its 127-year history, Hallette's lace has appeared in countless haute couture collections from Givenchy to Jason Wu to Christian Dior to Valentino. The specific Hallette pattern chosen for Middleton was designed more than 50 years ago.

    2. Jo Malone scents filled Westminster Abbey

    Middleton wanted to be reminded of her favorite scents on her wedding day, so she enlisted perfumer Jo Malone for the job. Among Kate's picks were Malone's Orange Blossom, Grapefruit, and Lime, Basil Mandarin scented candles — all of which were placed throughout the venue during the ceremony.

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    Watch full video here:

    kate middleton

    (Image credit: Archives)



    3. Race to take the official wedding photo

    Not only did official wedding photographer Hugo Burnand have to bike to Buckingham Palace from Westminster Abbey after the wedding, but he only had 26 minutes to capture the photo that would last a lifetime. In order to avoid crowds and make it in time for the scheduled royal family picture, Burnand and his team raced through the streets of London on bicycles. And after the immense pressure of having to take an iconic photo in under half an hour, Burnand captured the official wedding photo within minutes of its deadline.

    kate middleton

    (Image credit: Archives)

    4. A stranger in the room

    Not many people noticed the cute critter in tiny bridesmaid Eliza Lopes' hand as she posed for the official royal wedding photo. The girl, granddaughter of Camilla Parker Bowles, was so afraid of the boisterous London crowds that Prince Harry gave her a neon pink "wiggly worm" to calm her nerves. She held onto the toy during the photo session, and the rest is history.

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    5. An eclectic honeymoon grocery list

    Middleton and Prince William made sure they'd have a fully stocked fridge by the time they arrived on the Seychelles islands. Their quirky food requests included Brussels sprouts, Granny apples, Philadelphia cheese, quail eggs, and ham. Judging by their list, though, we're hoping someone else will be cooking for the newlyweds!

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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